The Best Technique to Enhance Saturation

Step 5

We’re done increasing the saturation using LAB color, so we’ll convert the image mode back to RGB color. Choose Image > Mode > RGB Color.

Step 6

Before we proceed with the next color saturation enhancing effect, we’ll use a technique called adaptive saturation. This technique is from the Adaptive Saturation tutorial from Photoshop Tutorials. What this technique does is adjust the intensity of the saturation based on the original saturation in the image. Sounds confusing? Basically, the areas that are already high in saturation, the saturation increasing effect will be less intense. On the areas with very low saturation, the saturation increasing effect will be more visible.

Still confused? Well, it will be easier to understand after you follow the a few of the steps below and we’ll explain more to you as we show you the steps.

Add a layer mask to the layer with the saturation boost. To do this, choose Layer > Adjustment Layer > Reveal All. Then, change the blending mode to Difference.

Step 7

Right now, the image looks quite ugly with odd colors. What you are seeing is the difference between the layer with the saturation boost and the original image. The areas that are highlighted are the areas that are the most different and the black areas are the areas that are unchanged. With this data, we can apply it into the layer mask so that the layer with more saturation is less visible in areas that are already high in saturation.

Make sure that you have the layer mask selected. Click on the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers palette to activate it. Choose Image > Apply Image to open the Apply Image tool. Use the settings from the image below.

Step 8

Change the blending mode back to Normal.

More pages: 1 2 3 4

Written by admin on February 29th, 2008 with 10 comments.
Read more articles on Color and Photo Retouching.

• [+] Digg: Feature this article
• [+] Del.icio.us: Bookmark this article
• [+] Furl: Bookmark this article

Related articles

• LOMO (March 7th, 2008)
• Breathtaking Split Toning Effect (February 14th, 2008)