Using Variation in PS

#1: Variations

The Variations command is a simple and easy feature. It is designed to remove prevailing color cast and to restore the natural hue and saturation balance of an image. Variations (Image > Adjustments > Variations) is easily Photoshop’s most straightforward color adjustment command.

One of the things that you'll like about the Variations feature is that it will present you with a collection of thumbnail previews for previewing the color corrections rather than previewing it in the main image window (the usual case with other color correction methods). You can preview as many color options as you like before applying it on the actual image.

Step1

Open the image and as usual, duplicate a new layer > Bike.
Original Image - Image ID: 407379 © Diego Cervo 123RF.com

Step 2

Mask out the areas you wish to change using the Path tool (P) (in this case, all the green areas on the bike)

When you are done selecting the bike, go to Path Layer > Ctrl+Click on the layer to select the path.

Next, Ctrl+Shift+I to invert the selection (so you could make changes on the bike instead of the background).

Step 3

Go to Image>Adjustments>Variations.

Once you are there, Variations will show you a sizable dialog box that enables you to do basic color and lightness modifications using preview images. You will be able to make changes to the shadows, midtones and highlights of an image through the appropriate radio buttons at the top of the dialog box.

Shadows will affect darker areas
Midtones will affect midtone areas
Highlights will affect lighter areas
Saturation will make the picture more saturated or bleached

The slider bar labeled Fine on the left and Coarse on the right will allow you modify the intensity of your edits.

Fine will apply changes delicately *recommended if you wish to achieve a more accurate outcome
Coarse will apply changes drastically *effects will be shown later

Select the Midtones option for general color modifications. Other options like Shadows an Highlights are seldom used but feel free to experiment with the possibilities.

Next, select Show Clipping to indicate whether an area of the picture "clips out" from overlightening. It is recommended to use this feature whenever you are using Variations.

Step 4
Start applying the different Variation effects for as many times as you wish till you achieve the results you are looking for. Here, I want change my bike from green to purple. To achieve this, I would have to click 2 times on More Magenta, 3 times on More Red, 1 time of More Cyan and 1 time on Darker. These variation effects will add onto itself as you click and will be shown in the Current Pick thumbnail.

Once you are satisfied, click OK. This is the result:

Step 5

Apply layer mask to erase areas of the image which are not supposed to be affected by the color change. Brush Opacity 100% will be perfect in removing unwanted colors on these areas.

A lower opacity brush on the other hand will help lighten the current color, without totally erasing it.

Merge the layers when you are done.

Step 6
Go to Adjustment Layer Pallette > Selective Color to adjust the color further and to get better results. You can follow similar settings:

Done !


BEFORE	AFTER

If you want to experiment with different “background” variations, just follow the above steps. Mask out the bike but do not invert the selection as it was told in Step 2. Remember: If you mask the bike, and invert the selection, you will be making changes on the bike instead of the background.

Lastly, always mask out any areas which are not supposed to be affected by the color change.

Done !


BEFORE	AFTER

Besides changing the colors on an object, you can also add different colors to a grayscale image to create different mood. Read on...

Step 1

Change Grayscale to RGB by selecting Image > Mode.
Original Image - Image ID: 438697 © Anton Booysen 123RF.com

Step 2

Go to Image > Adjustments > Variations.

Like what I mentioned earlier, the slider bar labeled Fine on the right and Coarse on the left lets you modify the intensity of your edits.

Fine will apply changes delicately *recommended to achieve a more accurate outcome
Coarse will apply changes drastically

You will see the difference between Fine and Coarse as I apply both the effects here. In Coarse, you will get a pop-art effect – the mood and changes will be more drastic and emphasized.

In Fine, you will get Sepia moods and the results will be, well, delicate...

Just click on the different Variation effects till you achieve the results you are looking for again.