Exploring Adobe Photoshop CS3: Working on Filters and Colors

In this sample, we shall be putting color to a black and white image. Take note that the values used in this sample may vary depending upon your image and your preferences.

To start things off, let us first duplicate the background layer. This can be done by dragging the Background layer to the Add Layer option or by right clicking the Background Layer and selecting duplicate layer.

Right click on the Background copy 2 layer and select convert to smart object. Now this will allow us to make modifications on the layer without damaging the image. It will also allow us to use smart filters wherein the filter effects we use may be modified/removed anytime - the same way we can modify a layer style anytime.

Having converted the layer to a smart object, select on the menu bar filter-> filter gallery. The filter gallery will then open up.

The goal here is to select a filter that will allow the dark and light areas of the image to be somewhat distinct from one another.

Let's begin by selecting dark strokes from the Brush Strokes group. Adjust the sliders as needed. In this image, Balance was set to 6, Black Intensity to 7 and White Intensity to 2. Now click on the Ok button.

Click on the Adjustment Layer and select gradient map.

Click on the gradient to be able to edit it.

The Gradient Editor then appears. You may select on the available Presets and then edit it by adding stops. Adding stops allows you to add more colors to the gradient. You may slide it around and experiment with the colors.

Once done, you may then click Ok.

Well the good thing about the smart filter is that we can still modify it. If you would want to experiment more on your image, just double click on the filter gallery under smart filters on the Background copy 2 layer (if you had not yet modified the name).

You can add any layer you think would fit. In this case, Cutout and Accented Edges layers were added.

So that's about it for now. Anyway, this is only one of the ways of adding/modifying the color of images. You may also try experimenting with colored pictures.

TIP: Try the posterize... effect on the Adjustment Layer option.