Black & White Conversions
swintonphoto
Registered Users Posts: 1,664 Major grins
I have had a number of people ask me how I do my B&W conversions. You can see samples here: http://www.jonathanswinton.com/China
B&W conversions:
1. First I load the images into Lightroom (really an amazing B&W tool).
2. I put the image in grayscale mode.
3. Then I usually do some minor adjustments with the tone curve tool.
4. Then I do my last adjustments with the grayscale channel mixer. The channel mixer is the best kept secret in B&W digital photography. The power you can have with that tool is remarkable. Try swinging the mixer bars all the way to one side or another to see what creative adjustments you can do. I can usually find one or two that produce some adjustments I like.
5. Then once I have completed these 3 steps and my image is mostly like I want it, then I save it as a PSD.
6. I then load the image in photoshop.
7. If I have any other adjustments to do that I can't do in lightroom I do it now.
8. Then I add a photo filter layer. My favorite filter by far is the Warming Filter (81). It is the 3rd preset filter - much better than the other warming filters in my opinion. I usually add around 18%-24% density depending on the image. This filter gives me tones very similar to what I use to get using Ilford warmtone milticontrast paper with Dektol developer in the darkroom. Quite lovely.
9. Save it and it is done!
It should be said, if you don't have lightroom, you can still do channel mixing and tonal curve adjustments in photoshop as an added layer - similar to the photo filter layer, i just find it easier to do it in Lightroom.
B&W conversions:
1. First I load the images into Lightroom (really an amazing B&W tool).
2. I put the image in grayscale mode.
3. Then I usually do some minor adjustments with the tone curve tool.
4. Then I do my last adjustments with the grayscale channel mixer. The channel mixer is the best kept secret in B&W digital photography. The power you can have with that tool is remarkable. Try swinging the mixer bars all the way to one side or another to see what creative adjustments you can do. I can usually find one or two that produce some adjustments I like.
5. Then once I have completed these 3 steps and my image is mostly like I want it, then I save it as a PSD.
6. I then load the image in photoshop.
7. If I have any other adjustments to do that I can't do in lightroom I do it now.
8. Then I add a photo filter layer. My favorite filter by far is the Warming Filter (81). It is the 3rd preset filter - much better than the other warming filters in my opinion. I usually add around 18%-24% density depending on the image. This filter gives me tones very similar to what I use to get using Ilford warmtone milticontrast paper with Dektol developer in the darkroom. Quite lovely.
9. Save it and it is done!
It should be said, if you don't have lightroom, you can still do channel mixing and tonal curve adjustments in photoshop as an added layer - similar to the photo filter layer, i just find it easier to do it in Lightroom.
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Comments
Nice B&W conversions ...:D
LR is pretty good isn't it ?
I will say for down-and-dirty instant editing and cataloguing I prefer Picasa because it's quicker and just easier to navigate IMO, but LR is definitely a valuable tool for things I can't do in other programs (or can only do with more effort). Very glad I have it!
Thanks!
Yes LR has completely transformed how I process digital images. Historically I would spend hours opening images in photoshop and processing them one by one. LR is awesome.
http://www.jonathanswinton.com
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The only thing to add is the choice of colour in subject when appropriate and possible - I've done a BW shoot at a billiards club with mostly red balls, green baize on the table and a blue shirt - just so I could separate it easily in post if I wanted to
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Do you know this ?
Tonight I have been installing and paying with Mogrify. Pretty good as far as I can see.
Tomorrow, I will go into the Enfuse business
How about you ?
http://www.jonathanswinton.com
http://www.swintoncounseling.com
I think that the program is very good.
Well, hat depends on one's opinion and demand !:D
You can download and try it.
It's simple and intuitive.
My images improved with the use of this program. I am following a workshop in Lisbon in January. Meanwhile, I am studying it with a Portuguese book and I have already ordered one by Scott Kelby
I also think that the program is rather new and it is a good idea to go for it now as it is simpler than the up coming versions...
I mean, AutoCAD 2004 was easier than AutoCAD 2009...