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Making a Black & White Photo with Some Color

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A Step by Step Guide to Making a Black and White Photo with Some Color

Try something new today and learn about using graphic design tools to alter your photography. Ever wanted to dabble in graphic art? Using Paint.net as a photo editor will allow you to turn you average color photos into amazing works of art. Although it takes a little time, the process is simple and lots of fun. Just follow the steps in this lens and before you know it, you'll have the effects you were wanting.

Not only will the final outcome look great, learning how edit your photography by creating a black and white photo with a little color in Paint.net is a great introduction to using a graphic design product. This photo editing process will use layers, the eraser, and the wand.


Paintdotnet is a great place to start trying out photo editing software. This free software does most of the basic functions that other expensive photo editing software can do. Instead of spending money and not knowing if you'll ever use it, try paintdot net.

If you use a different photo editing software, this technique still works. If you know the basics of photo editing, give it a try. Start having fun altering your photography today. Find neat gifts at my photography stores at Cafepress and Zazzle. There's something amazing for every event or just for fun.

The Easy Steps of the Process

Black and White Photography with a Little Color

Here are the easy steps to make a black and white photo with a hint of color. There isn't a lot of steps and it's super easy to learn.

Once you've figured out this technique, use your imagination on other great effects that you can create! This is easy to understand; even if you are a beginner. Start wit this free software and go from there.

Get Paint.Net and Start Editing

Important Link that Will Help With the Process

Want to try yourself? Get Paintdotnet and start your own project. The more you do, the better at it you will get. Have fun. Paint.Net is a great place to learn a little about graphic programs without spending money first. After you've downloaded it, you can follow my steps and make your own unique photos. If you own a different program, give this technique a try with it. The concepts are easy to transfer to a different graphics program too.
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Step-By-Step Instructions

Jump to the specific step you need help with or start from the beginning. It doesn't take much to make this unique photo.

First Step: Duplicate layer

Learning layers will help with every project

1. Either use Ctrl+Shift+D or in the menu tool bar click on Layer/Duplicate once the desired photo is open in Paint.net. This will create two layers of the exact same photo.

Using the Layer Tool Bar

Quick Tip; A Little More Explanation

You will know the first step is correct because there will be two identical photos in the layer tool bar. This is the same as putting two identical pictures on top of each other.

Turning Background Photo Black and White

The Bottom Background layer needs to be black and white

2. In the layer tool bar click on the lower photo so that it is highlighted.

3. Press Ctrl+Shift+G to make the lower photo black and white. (In the menu, going to adjustments/black and white will do this as well.)

Deleting the Extra Color from the Top Layer

4. In the Layer toolbar click on the top color photo.

5. Using the Eraser and the wand to delete the parts of the picture that are desired to be in black and white.

Hint: zoom in close to get the hard to reach spots.

Saving the Altered Photo

Make sure you don't save over the original!

6. Make sure both of the layers have the box checked in the layer tool bar.

7. Save the file as a jpeg.

8. When asked, flatten the image.

See Some Photos on Products I Altered with Paint.Net

Beautiful Gift Ideas

Great designs that are black and white with a little color that were created using Paintdotnet. Give these great photos as a gift or keep for yourself. Browse my store to see more black and white enhanced photos. There are many design to choose from on so many gift ideas such as a shirt, tote bag, or stickers. Have fun finding great photography.

Fun Mother's Day Ideas!

Click on the picture below to purchase these items.

Black Eyed Susan Flower MouspadParis Carousel PosterBeautiful Blue Butterfly Magnet

Black and White Peacock Feather PlateDaisy BagPink Rose in the Rain Print

Christy's Online Photography Store

My Cafepress Store Has Awesome Gift Ideas Using this Technique

Find great designs with my unique photography. This is a great place to find amazing Christmas ornaments, graduation gifts or Father's Day presents. These photographs were edited using Paint.Net.

Browse my store to see more black and white enhanced photos.

Click on the picture below to purchase these items.

Paris Carousel Framed TileBlack and White Tulip Sigg Water Bottle with YellowBeautiful Blue Butterfly Journal

Black and White Peacock Feather Christmas OrnamentDaisy BagBlue Butterfly Journal

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Frames for Your Newly Created Art Work

Now that you've created these awesome pictures using Paint.Net find a frame to make them perfect.
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Paint.Net Comments

Want to know how to to other alterations of picture? Just ask!

  • desa999 May 22, 2012 @ 12:01 am | delete
    thanks for revealing these techniques.
  • Leopold-Blatt Dec 7, 2011 @ 2:50 pm | delete
    Great! Never knew howto do it before. Your lens is a great help, thank you.
  • adamfrench Oct 3, 2011 @ 11:52 am | delete
    Thumbs up, great lens
  • KarenCookieJar Jul 10, 2011 @ 7:03 am | delete
    I was so excited when I saw new Nikons could do this effect right in the camera automatically. So cool
  • Country1969 Jul 3, 2011 @ 8:11 am | delete
    I will have to try this myself. Always interested on how people get things in a black and white picture to stand out with color.
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Lenses on Black and White with some Color Photography

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More great tips! Find other tutorials and lenses on this unique effect.
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Christy_WYO

I love photography and get more into if every year. I spend a lot of time with my family. We love to travel. Sometimes it's just to the mountains for... more »

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