2 color photo from rgb

[pas_non]

I know this is a very basic question but I need to know the best way to convert an image to 2 color pantone from rgb. The first color is a dark-ish blue teal; the second color is a spring green. I tried doing duotones in Photoshop and messing around with the curves - is this really the best way? I don't have a black to work with, and using these 2 colors isn't really producing the crisp professional image I'm looking for. Any tips? I really appreciate it!!

[PrintDriver]

Do you have to use both colors in the image?

[pas_non]

nope - think I should just use one? I tried with just the blue and it looks kind of washed out, because that blue obviously is the darkest the blacks can get if you know what I mean. Is there a different process than using the rgb to greyscale to duotone application in ps??

[budafist]

Have you played around with the Duotone Curve? It's the diagram to the left of the duotone colour swatch.

[pas_non]

Have you played around with the Duotone Curve? It's the diagram to the left of the duotone colour swatch.

yeah.. it just seems really awkward and inefficient. but it seems like there is not a better way to do this. ugh.

[doubting_thomas]

nope - think I should just use one? I tried with just the blue and it looks kind of washed out, because that blue obviously is the darkest the blacks can get if you know what I mean. Is there a different process than using the rgb to greyscale to duotone application in ps??
Did you reset your white point using cmmd/cntl + L, then set the spot color?

["Technical" Terry]

How detailed is the image? If it is fairly simple, convert to CMYK, use the magic wand to select a color and then create a new spot channel. Repeat for second color. Delete CMYK info. Save as psd (ensure check box is selected to spot colors in the save dialog box). Import to Indy.

[longboy]

Do you have a sample of what your goal is? Also, posting the original image might help us have an idea of why duotone isn't getting you what you want.

Some images do great w/ duotones, others don't. Also, some Pantone color combos work great as duotones, but not all turn out as expected.

If you're comfortable working in Channels, you might come up with a cool look as well.

[Silence04]

Duotones can be complicated to work with when your trying to do what you're trying to achieve since changing those curves can drastically alter the final color. I've ran into your problem numerous times...

I've found the best way to do this is to separate each color into there own layer folder in photoshop (this might require a lot of layer masking). then convert both of your colors to black, flatten each folder out, paste them on to there own spot channels in the channel pallet with the appropriate PMS colors.

[pas_non]

Did you reset your white point using cmmd/cntl + L, then set the spot color?

no! i didn't! i will try that.. seems there is a lot for me to learn about print! i worked for 2 years as a designer at a toy company, we only printed in 4 color and occasionally 1 color, but never had to manipulate photos or work extensively in ps. :sigh: ....