B&w

[MRCPix]

ok this might be a bad question, but I am going to ask anyway. I have a friend who would like some black and white photo's taken of her four daugthers and I was wondering if I should set my camera to B&W or shoot raw and convert in lightroom/photoshop. if post is best does anyone have any actions I can use? or at least settings for creating B&W. If you have not guessed I have never converted to B&W in photoshop.

thank you for looking
Mike

[rusty_tripod]

Do you have a film camera in the closet? A good roll of Black and White film can do wonders for an assignment like this.

[CaptainTom]

Mike
I have no doubt you will get answers both ways, but I will advise the following.
When you shoot RAW the camera captures the colors even if you are selecting B&W. The camera programming has control of the desaturation of the colors.
Just shoot it in RAW and then convert to B&W in PS. There are a multitude of threads and actions for B&W.

You could also consider shooting a nice B&W film and scan it in, or, heavens fordid, make a print from the negative.

[rhoffart]

I always shoot RAW … there are so many ways to convert it in post he is two that will get you started
Image – Mode – Greyscale
Image – Adjustments – Desaturate

I’m still using PS7 … I would think it’s the same in the newer versions

[MRCPix]

thanks everyone.
Tom the purpose of this is so she can have updated prints made of her kids so these won't be kept on a computer :).

oh and I searched PP thread and found a ton of good actions and ideas on how to convert so I will shoot RAW and convert in lightroom.

[zoe08]

Originally Posted by rhoffart

I always shoot RAW … there are so many ways to convert it in post he is two that will get you started
Image – Mode – Greyscale
Image – Adjustments – Desaturate

I’m still using PS7 … I would think it’s the same in the newer versions

Over those modes I would recommend at least using channel mixer instead. Turning it greyscale or just desaturating usually does not give the contrast that you really want in a good B&W. I too would shoot raw and convert in photo, as the same thing will happen shooting B&W in camera, you won't be able to control the contrast.

[johnastovall]

Even better for B&W is to use Alien Skin's Exposure 2 in CS3 and then print using carbon based ink.

I might suggest you might want to check out Mastering Digital Black and White: A Photographer's Guide to High Quality Black-and-White Imaging and Printing (Digital Process and Print) by Amadou Diallo