Posted by Carol Nichols on November 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM
I processed this color photo in LR3 and CS5 and then also processed it again in Nik Silver Efex Pro for a B&W version. I posted the color version in the M&N Gallery and the B&W version in the Photo Art Gallery and asked people which one they preferred. The concensus was that there was no concensus - some liked the color and some liked the B&W. I agree with the lack of concensus - I like the B&W version because it is more dramatic, but I really do like the bits of color in the color version. So I am wondering if there is a way I can put the bits of color back into the B&W version? I'm sure there must be a way using layers and such, but it requires processing skills beyond my knowledge. If you know how I could do this, please explain the process. Thanks so much for any help you can give me.
Posted by Carol Nichols on November 30, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Here is the B&W version.
Posted by Carol Hyman on December 1, 2011 at 1:33 AM
Carol,
In Silver Efex Pro 2, you have the option of Selective Coloration. You need to add a Control Point, control the width of your circle, and select the last option at the bottom of the menu. That's selective coloration, called SC.
Hopefully you selected Convert for Smart Filtersbefore you selected Silver Efex. That way you can go back into the Silver Efex layer and re-edit. Otherwise you'll have to replicate your work.
Just plain Silveer Efex does not have this option.
Good luck and drop me a line if I can assist further.
Regards,
Carol
Posted by Jim Bullard on December 1, 2011 at 8:11 AM
You didn't mention what software you use for your primary editing. I'm guessing it isn't Photoshop because if you had gone to Silver Efex Pro from Photoshop you'd already have a layered image because Silver Efex Pro automatically makes a new layer. From a layered image it is simply a matter of clicking on the "Create Mask" icon with the B&W layer selected and then painting the color back in using black. You can control the amount by varying the opacity of the brush.
Layers are really worth learning to use whatever editing software you use. Coupled with masking they are probably the most useful tool there is for local adjustments.
Posted by Carol Hyman on December 1, 2011 at 12:02 PM
Good additional info, Jim.
Posted by Carol Nichols on December 9, 2011 at 9:47 AM
Thanks Carol & Jim. I will give your suggestions a try and see what happens.
Discussion
5 repliesIn Silver Efex Pro 2, you have the option of Selective Coloration. You need to add a Control Point, control the width of your circle, and select the last option at the bottom of the menu. That's selective coloration, called SC.
In the interim, NIK also offers free on-line training. Check out: http://www.niksoftware.com/learnmore/usa/index.php.
Hopefully you selected Convert for Smart Filters before you selected Silver Efex. That way you can go back into the Silver Efex layer and re-edit. Otherwise you'll have to replicate your work.
Just plain Silveer Efex does not have this option.
Good luck and drop me a line if I can assist further.
Regards,
Carol
Layers are really worth learning to use whatever editing software you use. Coupled with masking they are probably the most useful tool there is for local adjustments.