Recolouring help?

[Katharina]

Hi guys... I was just wondering, if it's possible to turn the ribbon in this picture red? I'm trying to make it Christmassy, see... I have no idea what to do or even if it can be done, so if someone could show me how I'd really appreciate it (there's a bigger version on the flickr page).

[i_am_beam]

Sure can be done. All you have to do is select it using one of the many tools on photoshop. the Lasso tool or Magic Selector Tool (Elements only, I think). Then add a "Gradient Map" layer to the selection. Then I would set the blending mode to Color (I think, play around with it) and lower the opacity to whatever you like.

That will get the job done. I'm sure there are some Photoshop veteran's out there who can give you a better way to do it.

Let me know if you need more exact instructions. You should probably be able to figure it out.

Hope that helps.

[Katharina]

Thanks! I'm using GIMP, I'm really new to it all so I have no idea! But I imagine it's pretty much the same, right? I'll give it a go, anyway. Thanks very much!

[Edsport]

I used Photoshop and used the gradient map as suggested. Not sure of what tone of red you wanted.

Click on image...

[wulf]

In the Gimp, create a new transparent layer above the photo and roughly paint over the ribbon in red. Don't waste time being precise - use a big brush and get it all covered.

Next, experiment with different blending modes for the new layer to see what gives the most realistic effect. You might find that you need a couple of copies of the red layer in different modes and at different opacities. You want to make the ribbon look like it is a red that fits the rest of the scene.

Once you have got the right colour, add a layer mask to the red layer. You can use this to tidy up the effect, making sure it only spills over where you want. You may also want to use shades of grey, to capture the way red light would reflect from the ribbon onto other parts of the scene. If you have two or more red layers, just work the mask on one and set the others to be invisible. Then, once you have perfected it, copy the mask and apply to layer masks on the other layers too.

Wulf

[Katharina]

Oh thank you Edsport, that's perfect!

Thanks Wulf, I shall experiment and see if I can get it myself