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Split Tone images with the help of Photoshop

Add some hints of colour to your black & white images with the help of Photoshop.

12 May 2010 12:01AM by ePHOTOzine | Adobe Photoshop

We're going to show you an easy way to give an image a split toning effect in Photoshop. Split toning is when you add one colour to the highlights and a different one to the shadows to give the image a colour tint. You can pick colours that blend well or if you're after a strong look, try using complete opposites. As with many adjustments in Photoshop there is several ways to do this but we're going to look at using the colour balance adjustment layer.

Software used: Photoshop CS4

Time taken: 10-15 minutes

Step 1: Duplicate the layer and turn it black & white

First you need to duplicate the layer (Layer>Duplicate Layer), rename it then turn the layer black & white. There are several ways you can do this but one of the easiest is by going to Image>Adjustment>Black & White. A new window will open where you can adjust the colour sliders if required then click OK.

Step 2: Add colour to the highlights

Click on the New Adjustment Layer icon (the black & white circle at the bottom of the Layers Pallet) and select Colour Balance. Click highlights and move the sliders until you find a colour you're happy with. You can experiment and move all of the sliders and if you create a colour you don't like just reset the sliders to 0 by typing the figure in the boxes to the side or by moving the sliders to the middle. We just wanted to add a slight yellow tone to the highlights so moved the Yellow/Blue slider to -73.

Step 3: Add colour to the shadows

With the Colour Balance window still open select Shadows and adjust the sliders, as you did for the highlights, until you're happy with the tint. We wanted to add a slight blue tint to the shadows so moved the Yellow/Blue slider to +73. If you don't like the colour that's produced you can play with the highlights and shadows until you're happy.

And after doing that, you're done! See our final image here:

You've read the article, now go take some fantastic images. You can then upload the pictures, plus any advice and suggestions you have into the dedicated Photo Month forum for everyone at ePHOTOzine to enjoy.

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