B&W Conversions

[Abel]

Which method do u use for B&W conversions...

I have been using a action from fredmiranda.com that adds a generic channel mixer etc...

i often tweak the levels myself after the action runs though because i am usually not happy with the result...

for those that apply a channel mixer as well, what values do u usually use?

thanks

[cbuhay]

Hi Abel,

I have used fred's b&w conversion in the past as well. For channel mixing, I have used many different amounts -- I guess it just depends on what kind of feel you want in your photo. For a dreamier feel, I boost the red, for a grittier feel, I boost the blues. If I had one rule of thumb though, and that is to make sure whatever values I use, they all add up close if not exactly at 100 when I'm done.

BTW... I also sometimes introduce noise into the photo in post when I do b&w. Sometimes that is what is needed to get an edgier, more pj feel to the picture.

[wrogers]

Abel, here is a conversion my brother gave me the other day. (I'm working with PS7) Select channels palette, select the red channel, image mode to grayscale, it asks if to discard other channels--O.K., image mode to RGB, then color balance: red to +7 and blue tp -7.

[Steelsun]

I've tried various methods and are starting to try more. Have to print 5 fine art style B&Ws for an office from some of my color shots.

This months Shutterbug magazine (picked it up last night) is all about B&W but I have not read it yet.

[MitchYoung]

i typically just do it the easy way. desaturate, then add a little contrast. for all intensive purposes, it works, and from what i have noticed from the printer, it looks the same as normal kodak black and white (c-41) but some people would argue with me on that.

i wouldnt recomend that for a portfolio photo though. but for a wedding etc, they never know the difference.

[wrogers]

This is the easiest. Just download and put in your plug in folder for photoshop.
http://www.optikvervelabs.com/download.asp

[Bill Huber]

Originally Posted by wrogers

This is the easiest. Just download and put in your plug in folder for photoshop.
http://www.optikvervelabs.com/download.asp

Thanks for that link, very nice plug-in and its FREE !!!
It really does a very nice job.

[chloew]

Originally Posted by wrogers

This is the easiest. Just download and put in your plug in folder for photoshop.
http://www.optikvervelabs.com/download.asp

Nice tool. Thanks for sharing.

[Silvernic]

I've been using Nik Color Efex and I'm very happy with it, but I have a problem that maybe someone could help me with. Whenever I convert a portrait to a black and white, I always end up with a subject that looks pale or pasty. What should I look for in my black and white conversions to get a more natural (for a black and white person) skin tone?

[jheiliger]

Check this thread....

http://www.lifeatf8.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1739

This is one of the best methods I have found because it gives you an immense ammout of control over the contrast and tone of the image.

Joe

[KeithAlanK]

Here's a before/after using optikVerve Labs' Virtual Photographer plug-in for PhotoShop and PaintShop Pro.
I used the BW conversion called "Hollywood".

[labguy]

get 3 different b&w versions quickly and easily. open your color image. click show channels. uncheck all colors but the red-version1 then uncheck all but the green channel-version2 uncheck all but the blue- version3 pick the one yor like best then you can then go into levels for fine tuning.