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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Black and Whites
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Showing posts 1 - 5 of 5, (reverse)
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Nikon D700
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED
 08/11/2011 12:40:15 PM · #1
Just wondering what everyones favorite way to do black and white conversions in photoshop is? I've been doing them a lot lately with some street photography but I don't know what the best way to do them are. I've been using Gradient Map lately and the tweaking it with levels, curves or shadow/highlight and it works, but on some images it really doesn't look to great.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)
 08/11/2011 12:49:53 PM · #2
I think there's a thread somewhere which covers this rather thoroughly -- as I recall there were almost as many methods of conversion as people posting ...

One of the ways I often do it is to simply select one of the RGB Channels and isolate it to a new Grayscale file. The Green channel usually has the smoothest gradations and fullest tonal range (there are twice as many Green sensors as Red or Blue on most chips), but it ultimately depends on the colors in the subject matter. If I want a grainy look, the Blue channel is usually full of noise.
Nikon D700
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED
 08/11/2011 12:55:51 PM · #3
Thanks GeneralE ... i'll have to give it a try, I didn't even think about doing it that way.
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R IOS
 08/11/2011 12:56:35 PM · #4
I don't know if you are willing to spend any money, but I use the Nik software Special Efex Pro 2 add-on. I think it is pretty amazing, but I am definitely a novice. You can download a two week trial from the Nik website. Give it a try -- you might get hooked.
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)
 08/11/2011 01:24:23 PM · #5
Another common method in Photoshop is to use the Channel Mixer -- check the box to put it in Monochrome mode, then adjust the channel sliders until you get the blend of tones you like. Then flatten the image and convert to grayscale (or leave in RGB if printing to photo paper).

For overall tone/contrast adjustments, whether in color or b&w, I prefer to use a Curves adjustment layer.
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