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Yoavier
Participating Frequently
December 25, 2017
Answered

Blending in objects with different colors

  • December 25, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 723 views

Heya!
I'm really a beginner with PS and only recently started using it to create a few images of everyday objects as if they were turned into gold.

I first select the items out of the picture, then I add a solid color layer with a light yellow color and set it's mode to "color", then I add a curves layer for the shine.

The object itself looks not bad, and I don't really need any more detail, but it just seems like it doesn't blend in well, and very easily noticed to be edited.

This is probably a super common question, but I was wondering how can I make it seem as if it was natural, to blend in with the background more.

I'll attach links to 2 edited images that i've made, so you can take a look at what I mean.

I just can't put my finger on what's wrong, I believe it's something with the lighting, and if so - how can I fix it?

Thanks in advance!

Gyazo - 43ee5dbbf711131047db43b3e2acf08b.jpg

Gyazo - dc29841b9bbf2a150a80823b0f748513.jpg

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Trevor.Dennis

    Yes, I remember you from this thread yesterday

    Re: Gold-ify objects

    Using the Colour blend mode has some limitations, and is not my preferred method, as it depends on the tonal value of the underlying layer.  Where the layer below is full black, and full white, the color overlay is not working.

    You can extend the colour into the shadow areas by using a Hue/Saturation layer, and checking Colourize, and adjusting the saturation and lightness sliders

    To get colour into the highlight area, you need to bring down its tonal value with a curves or levels layer.

    However, giving an object a gold effect is always going to depend on individual circumstances, so you would need to show us examples.  It's probably not something a beginner with Photoshop is going to master right away, but good luck, and we are always happy to help and advise.

    2 replies

    davescm
    davescm
    Community Expert
    December 25, 2017

    The problem is that gold is not just about colour it is about reflections. See quick and dirty example below :

    A 3D sphere rendered with a gold diffuse color.

    The same 3D sphere - with same gold diffuse color but with added reflections from an image based light.

    In short you have to use 3D to add reflections or use images and painting to add them

    Dave

    Trevor.Dennis
    Trevor.Dennis
    Community Expert
    December 25, 2017

    That does look a whole lot better Dave, but not very realistic, as it does not show all the people running away in panic after a scary UFO landed on the beach.  Unless it was a Scouse beach, in which case they'd be running to get the Transit van pick up, so they could nick it.

    davescm
    davescm
    Community Expert
    December 25, 2017

    Hi Trevor

    I see you found out where I got the ball from then ...... 

    From a compositing point of view there was a lot wrong with that last image I posted. The point I was making with that quick and dirty example though was how to approach gold. It is the same when painting silver or gold in acrylics or oils - you paint the reflections not just the colour.

    Dave

    Trevor.Dennis
    Trevor.DennisCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    December 25, 2017

    Yes, I remember you from this thread yesterday

    Re: Gold-ify objects

    Using the Colour blend mode has some limitations, and is not my preferred method, as it depends on the tonal value of the underlying layer.  Where the layer below is full black, and full white, the color overlay is not working.

    You can extend the colour into the shadow areas by using a Hue/Saturation layer, and checking Colourize, and adjusting the saturation and lightness sliders

    To get colour into the highlight area, you need to bring down its tonal value with a curves or levels layer.

    However, giving an object a gold effect is always going to depend on individual circumstances, so you would need to show us examples.  It's probably not something a beginner with Photoshop is going to master right away, but good luck, and we are always happy to help and advise.

    Y
    YoavierAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 26, 2017

    Hey, thanks for the response, I still don't quite understand what you mean though.

    I see you added a gradient layer, should that be added over the selected area of the objects?

    If you could give me an example with a picture or something that would be super helpful.

    Apologies again, I just really have close to no experience with PS and i'm lost with all the layer and your explanation

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