Change the Color of Your Solid Studio Backdrop in Photoshop

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If you want to maximize use of the solid color backdrops, you can make them more versatile by altering the color in Photoshop.

In the image below, I used a yellow shower curtain that was $20 at Bed, Beth and Beyond.

mom-blueprint-600x690 Change the Color of Your Solid Studio Backdrop in Photoshop Photoshop Tips Video Tutorials

For this method to work best:

  1. Before photographing, choose a backdrop color not found on the clothing of your subjects.
  2. When photographing, aim to keep the backdrop evenly lit.
  3. Pick a backdrop that is a solid red, yellow, green, blue, cyan (like turquoise) or magenta for best results.
  4. Start by doing all your other edits first.  You can see which Photoshop actions we used in the edit.  Then either flatten or go to the background layer so that your adjustment layer is directly above the background in your layers palette.

The following video illustrates the method. In summary, you will:

  1. Pull up a Hue/Saturation Adjustment layer.
  2. Under the drop menu where it says “master,” choose the color closest to that of your backdrop.
  3. Slide the hue slider until you like the color.
  4. Adjust the saturation, up or down depending on the look you prefer.  I usually decrease slightly for a more natural look.
  5. Paint on the layer mask of any areas that you do not want affected using the brush tool, with the foreground color set to black.

Watch this changing background colors tutorial now for step-by-step instructions on changing the backdrop color:

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No Comments

  1. Bekkee Florence on March 16, 2012 at 9:46 am

    LOVE this! shower curtain? I would have never thought of that! I’ve been researching some thrifty ideas for props/backdrops — maybe a blog on ways to save $ and still get beautiful photos?

  2. Erin @ Pixel Tips on March 16, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Very useful tip! Convincing your clients that “it will all be OK” is another story. 🙂

  3. Alice C. on March 16, 2012 at 11:40 am

    What a great before and after!

  4. Clipping Path on March 17, 2012 at 3:53 am

    What a great work you have done, i like your post very much. Thanks a lot for sharing with us !!

  5. Ryan Jaime on March 17, 2012 at 7:09 am

    love work flow articles. Learn something new everyday is my motto!

  6. SD Lilly Photography on March 17, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    We love using rolls of material from Michael’s and Window drapes from Goodwill! Cheap is not always bad.

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