Creating the perfect Black & White

[mohi]

While the world would be a boring place without colors, no one can deny the beauty of black and white images... Most of us only use the "Desaturate" or "Convert to BW" option in photo editing programs but this method often produces dull and unimpressive results... With a little photoshop surfing you can make the best possible results and enjoy the professional looks of a BW image... Starting with a normal image...
1) The first monochrome image is what you get with Image> Adjustments> Desaturate... Looks pretty normal... No bells and whistles... ew...
2) The second shows the effect of changing the image mode... Image> Mode> Grayscale... Looks a little bit different...
3) The next three images are done with the Channels window... Activate it from Window> Channels... With selecting different channels, you can get different results...
4) By using the channel mixer (Image> Adjustments> Channel mixer) and checking the monochrome option you can see a preview of what you are changing... The last image is done with the following settings: Output channel: Red, Red: 100%, Green: 50%, Blue: 0%, Constant: -12%...)
So the best thing to do is experience... Rather than just using Desaturate... Please post your artwork so others can see and discuss your methods...

[mohi]

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[margo]

Good job! I would frame one of them and put it on the wall.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

This is so nice, Mohsen. I have had photoshop for years and have only ever used Mode..Grayscale. I will try this with the headshot I take in the fall for the theatre kids. Thanks!!

Cheers,
BD

[PurpleLotus]

Good job! I would frame one of them and put it on the wall.

with margo! this look elegance.

[mohi]

... I hope to see your excellent shots very soon...

[pavel]

Though I generally prefer color, I too must agree that sometimes black & white produces a better pic. Gives it a different feel.

[mnoor]

After reading the 1st post, I am trying the conversion. Hope someone will point me my mistakes and guide me how to correct it. I love B&W.

Here is a photo of an Indian boy whom I captured years ago while he was in a bus with his mother by his side. I like to see his bright eyes.

After doing the channel mixer, I also used the curve, level and shadows & highlight features. Unfortunately I didn't take note of the values opted. I am so sorry. Am I doing it correctly?

I will be more than glad if anyone would like to re-edit my photo and give a better b&w impact.

Thank you.

.....

[mohi]

Hi Noor, you're photo is great but since there is visible contrast between the eyes (due to the shadow), you should tweak some contrast and play a little with the shadow/highlight option which can be found in image>adjustmens... Goodluck...

[pillairp]

can you please let us know the camera setting used for clicking the orchid pics .... like shutter speed , lens , ISO and apature....etc