Getting started

• 1). Launch Adobe Photoshop, and then open the image for editing by pulling down File and clicking Open.
  
  
• 2). Use the Magnifying Glass tool to zoom in closely, keeping both eyes in the picture. It's easier to work with larger eyes.
  
  
• 3). Select the Lasso tool. In the Lasso controls, raise the Feather setting above zero. The amount depends on the image, so experiment with 10 or 20 percent. This will make the Lasso outline "fuzzy" and make the selection look more realistic.
  
  Photoshop actually has three different kinds of lassos; hover the mouse cursor over the Lasso icon to see them. The Polygonal Lasso draws straight lines, which won't help with selecting the iris. The Freehand Lasso, on the other hand, will work with a steady hand on the mouse. The best for this task, though, might be the Magnetic Lasso, which "sticks" to sharp edges.
  
  
• 4). Use the Freehand or Magnetic Lasso tool to select just the iris of one eye. Trace the outline of the iris carefully, and try not to select too much outside of the iris.
  
  
• 5). For the other eye, use the Lasso tool while also holding down the Shift key. This will add the other eye to the selection.
  
  
• 6). Hold down the Alt key while using the Lasso one more time. Draw circles around the pupils of the eyes this way. The Alt key will cause the pupils to be removed from the selection.
  
  
• 7). Add the Layer Mask by clicking on the half-circle New Layer icon on the Layers palette. A pop-up will appear, asking what kind of Layer you would like to create. Select Hue/Saturation.
  
  
• 8). A Hue/Saturation control box will appear on the screen. Select the Colorize box, and then use the three controllers -- hue, saturation, and lightness--to adjust the eye color. Notice how only the selected area changes color.