Making colors "pop" in Photoshop CS5

[megkunert]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/...6a85421f_z.jpg

I'm trying to imitate the above photo on the right. The turquoise socks - see how they pop? And also the reds and oranges on the hydrant? Is there a particular action or tool I can use to achieve this effect? I currently have the complete collection of the "totally rad actions" and don't see anything that would do this - except maybe the "select-o-pop" action?

Any techniques or tips would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[dlambert]

I'd start by playing with saturation. Add a saturation adjustment layer and bump up color saturation for all colors, or you can play with individual channels if you want to emphasize one color in particular.

[SusanH1970]

Curves and a soft light layer, masking skin tones back in.

[LeeR]

There are some things you can do in PP that will help you with getting colors to pop but don't ignore what can be done in-camera. If you watch carefully you will notice that some colors pop on their own in different kinds of light, especially certain shades of green. One of the reasons the turquoise pops in the images above is because they were shot outdoors in just the right kind of light.

[megkunert]

Thanks all, for your responses! I will give them all a go after my next shoot.

Susan, could you elaborate a little bit on "masking skin tones back in"?

Thanks again!

[johnske]

Alternatively, Image > Adjust > Replace Color, use the eyedropper to select the socks (or whatever) then increase saturation - but keep an eye on the rest of the photo for any unintended consequences, if that same color is anywhere else in the photo those parts will be changed also.

[megkunert]

Originally Posted by johnske

Alternatively, Image > Adjust > Replace Color, use the eyedropper to select the socks (or whatever) then increase saturation - but keep an eye on the rest of the photo for any unintended consequences, if that same color is anywhere else in the photo those parts will be changed also.

this worked perfectly - THANK YOU!

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by megkunert

Susan, could you elaborate a little bit on "masking skin tones back in"?

I'm a bit of an idiot and made the assumption you're using an editing software that uses layers and masks. Sorry if this isn't true!

If you're using a version of Photoshop, let me know and I'll be happy to elaborate.

[megkunert]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

I'm a bit of an idiot and made the assumption you're using an editing software that uses layers and masks. Sorry if this isn't true!

If you're using a version of Photoshop, let me know and I'll be happy to elaborate.

I'm new to post processing, so I don't know everything yet... sorry. I am using CS5. I've worked with layers, but not so much with masks very much. Maybe a few times when I've worked on tutorials. I see that when you duplicate the background layer and change the type of layer to soft light, you get a more vibrant photo. If you could elaborate the "masking" step for me, or direct me to a tutorial, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you for your help!