> PHOTOSHOP USER>^ OCTOBER 2019[ 82 ]
PHOTO RESTORATION: COLORIZING
REFLECTIONS AND SHEEN
Before beginning work on an image that has a reflection/
sheen, determine the color of the object first, then Google
shades of that color. For example, for the piano in the
image we’re using here, I Googled “shades of black” and
landed here.SKIN REFLECTIONS ON THE GRAND PIANO LID
To begin the process, colorize the person/object, being sure
to group and identify all layers (which is good practice any-
way). Once that’s completed, begin working on the reflec-
tion. Use the same colors in the reflection that you used to
colorize the subject being reflected. With each layer, reduc-
ing the opacity is key for a realistic reflection. Again, name
the layers and group them, and then name the groups
because it will be much easier to identify them in case you
want to modify them later. With this photo, let’s colorize
the skin and hair reflection inside the lid of the grand piano.
(Thanks to Barbara Hodges Warren for permission to use
this photo.)
[KelbyOne members can download the file we’re using
by clicking here, or by visiting kelbyone.com/magazine.]Step One: We’re going to colorize the reflection with a
series of Solid Color fill layers beginning with the bottom
layer in the group. Click on the Create New Fill Layer icon
(half-black, half-white circle) at the bottom of the Layers
panel and choose Solid Color. Choose a red (#ce1212) in
the Color Picker, and click OK. Click on the layer mask for
the fill layer, and press Command-I (PC: Ctrl-I) to invert it
to black, hiding the effect. Switch to the Brush tool (B) and,
using a soft, round brush, paint on the reflection where
you want the color. Change the blending mode from
Normal to Color in the Layers panel and reduce the Opacity
to 15%. Double-click the name of this layer and rename
it “Skin Reflection.”
Photo Effects
DEBPIETI
Photo colorization can take a while if the photo isn’t a portrait, but realistic colorization of a reflection
or sheen takes even longer. When people colorize images, they tend to omit colorizing reflections
or sheen on and through objects, which is a disservice to the overall image. Despite not obviously
seeing color in water, glass, or a grand piano, as is the case with the image used in the first part of
this article, light color is present.