How do I create an image where the....

[nishi57]

.....main subject is in color, however the background is in b&w. Is this something users do using "Post Processing"?? I really love the concept, and would love to get more involved and start taking similar pictures very seriously. Can someone guide me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Nishi

[Paradox]

Yep, bit of work in post processing. Various people use different methods. Mine is to create a new layer, apply the original image to it, gradient map it so it's black and white, and then carefully erase the parts I want in colour. Works well for me. I'm sure others will chip in with their suggestions.

[nishi57]

Thanks Paradox for your comments. I was wondering if there is a step by step process that someone can point me too. It will be very helpful.

Nishi

[D Thompson]

Thanks Paradox for your comments. I was wondering if there is a step by step process that someone can point me too. It will be very helpful.

Nishi

I don't know what you use for post, but here are two threads concerning selective desat.

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11351

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20855

[nishi57]

Thanks D Thompson, I will definitely give this a shot and see how it comes out.

Nishi

[Jason25]

I just create a desaturated layer on top of the color one, adjust what I want, then erase the desaturated layer where I want color.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/jmodzik/ColorCarOnly-web.jpg

[D Thompson]

Thanks D Thompson, I will definitely give this a shot and see how it comes out.

Nishi

You're welcome. It's a fairly simple process and there are several different ways to accomplish it. Looking forward to your results.

[nishi57]

Definitely, I will work on this over the next couple of days and will keep you posted.

[zmikers]

I just create a desaturated layer on top of the color one, adjust what I want, then erase the desaturated layer where I want color.

Yup, pretty simple. I use the same process. Here are a couple of my, not so interesting attempts, just to prove that it works.....:p

[zmikers]

Jason - I really like your shot by the way.:)

[nishi57]

Nicely done zmikers.

[macsareawesome]

Those are cool shots.

[gib786]

ive always wanted to know how to do this! had a few pics i took at the ferrari 60th anniversary earlier on this year in silverstone. had a stab at doing the bw with a hint of colour on one:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/gib786/DSCF0094copy.jpg

[gib786]

tried it again with another pic from the day [a ferrari fxx being put through its paces on the track]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/gib786/DSCF0024-1.jpg

i get the feeling it would look better if i coloured a few little bits in, such as the race control sign, suggestions?:)

edit - tried it anyway -

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/gib786/DSCF0024-2.jpg