Spot Colouring Black & White Images

[ChrisH]

Having recently seem some excellent single spot colouring posted on the internet I decided to have a crack myself, with the results posted below. I like the added dramatic effect, taking the eye straight to the car. Your comments will be gratefully received.

No 1

No 2

No 3

Best viewed at larger size for full effect.

[Shadowman]

In the second image, why did you leave the occupants in full color? Their depiction in color made me overlook the car and I was drawn immediately to them, then the mono image of the guy directly behind the vehicle. I don't think selective coloring worked so well on this particular image, the third is the best of the bunch, the first looks a bit pale. Nice effort.

[dubaiphil]

Nah, sorry. Never have been and never will be a fan.

A subtle vignette would be just as effective and arguably a far more tasteful way of drawing the viewer's eye to a particular part of the image

[Mark von Kanel]

Selective colour.... Noooooooooooooooo but very well executed

[Mike Buckley]

Your compositions in the last two images are terrific and you chose perhaps the perfect shutter speed in the last one, allowing the motion of the tires and a few small parts to be displayed while stopping the motion of the rest of the car. I do wonder, though, if I would like the image better if only the tires displayed motion.

Though I personally don't like using selective color, I appreciate why many do.

The inherent nature of the technique requires it to be executed absolutely flawlessly; everything in the image needs to be either monochrome or color. So, I'll mention the attention to detail that will bring the quality of your first two images up to the quality of your third image.

In the first photo, the edges of the left and right sides at the rear of the car and the edge near the left front door are devoid of color. The grass seen through the windshield displays a hint of color.

In the second image, areas of grass from the front to rear of the car's right side are in color, as is the grass near the left front tire. I don't have enough experience reviewing images employing selective color, but I wonder if the photo would be better if the chrome parts that reflect the green color (probably of the grass) were changed to monochrome.

Back to the first image: if you crop it on the left, you will not only center the red car but you will also eliminate the man standing on the left that is a distraction for me.

[ShaneS]

Christopher,

I must admit that I agree with Phil on this one. However, the third is the best if I had to choose one and that is probably because we expect the pavement to be black and don't notice the other colors that are missing from that part of the scene.

[thecraig]

Hi,

I do like a spot coloured photo and think the effect can be striking. However, the issue with me is that the cars are so big in the photo that it seems a bit of a mismatch of ideas. I usually like to pick out small details in colour, such as a flower in a wedding portrait.

Also, my eye is drawn to the coloured parts that are missed, such as the grass through the windscreen in photo #1 and at the front nearside wheel in photo #2.

Perhaps, leaving the driver's (Schumacher???) helmet in colour in photo #3 would be more striking?

Good shots though. I'm a big fan of car photos!

[IzzieK]

I thought I like #2 until I read John's (Shadowman) comment and I agree with him. I like #3 -- as I am fond of watching racing car races in the past. I like selective colouring done the right way.

[Kaye Leggett]

I like the third, the first should be a yellow ferrari !

[Jims]

Are the first two at the Kop Hill run?

Good day out and lots of photo opportunities with some nice cars. I have loads from last year but not done any spot colour processing to them, something I'd consider trying but no software to PP with except snapseed

Sorry nothing to add on the pictures other than would agree with what's been said