Colourization using curves and masks

[xtrme]

This is a quick video showing photo colourization using curves and masks. I wouldn't really call it a tutorial because there's not a lot of explanation (in fact there is no sound). If there is interest, I can create another, more in depth one.

 

[Steve]

I've never see colorizing done this way.
Explaining that you created layers with each color you were going to use and hiding them with an inverted mask and using the mask and brush to expose the colors where needed would make this much more useful.

As it is I doubt a newbie will understand what was done here.

No need to re-record the video, just explain up front what you did when creating the layers and why.

 

[xtrme]

I've never see colorizing done this way.
Explaining that you created layers with each color you were going to use and hiding them with an inverted mask and using the mask and brush to expose the colors where needed would make this much more useful.

As it is I doubt a newbie will understand what was done here.

No need to re-record the video, just explain up front what you did when creating the layers and why.

Right you are Steve. I have been colouring photos this way for years. Here's how it's done:

Note: It's a good idea to practice the steps below and after you're comfortable with the layer/curve/mask step, start over and record them as an action - you'll be glad you did.

Create a new layer and adjust it using curves, to the approximate colour of whatever you consider flesh tones to be (always exaggerate the colours - you'll see why later), then click on the quick mask icon on the layer pallet while holding down the option key (Mac) or alt key (PC) thereby effectively hiding the layer behind a black (or inverted) mask.

Repeat the new layer/curves/mask combination for the other colours. I use flesh, green, navy, gold, brown, burgundy, red, teal, pink and ivory. They can be any colours you think will work for you but these have served me well. The beauty of it is it's all changeable later but I'll get to more on that later.

If you've been recording those steps as an action, remember to stop recording after all your layers have been created.

Next, start brushing white on the masks to reveal the layers. I always start with the flesh layer. It's best to have a tablet (Wacom etc.) but if you don't you can either lower the opacity of the brush tool or brush in varying shades of gray instead of white. Make sure you don't brush full strength - that way you can mix underlying colours. For instance, start brushing lightly through the mask on the flesh layer, revealing more in some areas than others, then switch so you're brushing through the mask on the burgundy layer which should be under the flesh layer. The most common problem when it comes to colourization is the assumption that colours are made up of only one or two colours when in fact most things reflect a wide variety of the colours that surround them, even our skin does this. If someone is wearing a vibrant green shirt, they will have a green reflection on their chin. Likewise, most light skinned people have a lot more burgundy/red tones on their ears and noses than on the rest of their faces.

With that in mind, experiment brushing layer masks with varying opacity (remember, you can always brush black onto the mask to undo anything you don't like)

Experiment stacking the layers in different orders.

After brushing an area - green for instance - switch from the layer mask to the layer itself, go to curves and change the colour of the layer to more of a blue-green or yellow-green, depending on the scene.

Have fun!