Skip to main content
Participating Frequently
November 18, 2017
Question

How do I only replace color for one area?

  • November 18, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1930 views

Hi everyone! I am trying to edit my jewelry photos for my etsy page and I am having difficulty.

I shot them in a savage luminous pro on a black background and I am trying to change the background by doing this:

>Image

     >Adjustments

          >Replace color

Then, I replace the color so the background is completely, perfectly white. However, all the black areas in my actual product ALSO turn white, thus making my pictures unusable.

I need to be able to replace the background color of my photograph without altering the colors on my actual product.

Is there any way I could deselect the colors in my picture so that this doesn't occur?

I am using a PC.

This topic has been closed for replies.

3 replies

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

Just adding to what Dave said.

Always try to get as far as possible with global adjustments first. If the subject appears too dark, dirty or muddy, try to lighten the whole image up with a Curves adjustment, before doing anything else. Surprisingly often, that gets you what you want, or at least very close.

Only then, and only if absolutely necessary, use selections, masks or other targeted tools to go after specific parts.

A very common beginner's mistake is to start with a poorly exposed image, and then go right at selecting and masking. This will always, no exceptions, end up looking unnatural and artificial, or plain bad.

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

I'm with Trevor. This will never look good - because the black background is reflected in the object itself. You cannot "remove" that without extensive manual labor. I guarantee you, reshooting will be orders of magnitude quicker!

Also, a sharp outline is an absolute no-no here. That looks really ugly and unattractive.

Just recently, a book designer attempted something like this with a couple of my images. I went so far as to demand that they hold the presses for reasons of copyright violation. It's just unacceptable.

barbara_a7746676
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

One way would be choosing Select > Color Range. After selecting the black background and clicking OK, the back colors on your actual product will be selected. But since you have a selection you can use the selection tools, like the Lasso tool, to remove the black pixels you don't want in the selection.

If you post an example of one of your photos with a black background, I will give more precise directions.

mechabratAuthor
Participating Frequently
November 18, 2017

This is an example of the photographs I will be using.

davescm
Community Expert
Community Expert
November 18, 2017

Thank you thank you thank you!!! My project is saved!! <3


No problem.

If you get an image where the automatic click with the white eyedropper overdoes the adjustment then you can drag the white triangle to the left manually.

Then click with the middle eyedropper to white balance the image

Dave