Photoshop Tutorials

Final Results

Rollover the image to see the before and after effect.

Questions & Answers

1. Does this really imitate Fujifilm Velvia film 100% perfectly?
2. Why can't I just increase the saturation using the Hue/Saturation tool?
3. I want to increase the saturation more. How can I do this?
4. If I just want to increase saturation, which tool will produce the best results? The Channel Mixer or Hue/Saturation tool?

Does this really imitate Fujifilm Velvia film 100% accurately?

We are unsure if this Photoshop effect emulates Fujifilm Velvia film 100% accurately, but the results seem close. Because we do not have access to Velvia film and film photography equipment, we used before and after examples from a commercial software that simulates Fujifilm Velvia film as a reference. The results from this Photoshop effect was a nearly perfect match as the ones produced by the commercial software.

Why can't I just increase the saturation using the Hue/Saturation tool?

Although increasing saturation with the Hue/Saturation tool is faster and easier, the results are not the same. When comparing the following two images, you'll notice that the Hue/Saturation method cannot achieve the same level of saturation as the Channel Mixer method; especially where the yellows are. The Hue/Saturation tool may preserve more detail but the Channel Mixer method better resembles Velvia film.

I want to increase the saturation more. How can I do this?

To increase the saturation even more, you may simply duplicate the layer and adjust the opacity of the new layer(s). Or, for better results, use larger values in the channel mixer. For example, instead of setting the Reds in the Red channel at 150%, try using 200%. Don't forget to compensate the other colors with lower settings (ex. -100% blue; -100% green).

If I just want to increase saturation, which tool will produce the best results? The Channel Mixer or Hue/Saturation tool?

The Channel Mixer tool will produce better results. As an experiment, follow Velvia Photoshop tutorial and duplicate the Channel Mixer adjustment layer twice so that there are three Channel Mixer adjustment layers. Now duplicate the background layer, move the new layer to the top, and use the Hue/Saturation tool on the top layer and increase the saturation to +100. Hide and unhide the top layer repeatedly and notice the differences. You'll notice that the layer you used the Hue/Saturation tool has a posterize effect.