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Black and white software
Sep 26, 2013 10:41:50 #
Looking for a black and white converion software.... What is your favorite or what do you recommend ?
Sep 26, 2013 10:45:20 #
There are a ton out there. The best one for me is Silver Efex from http://www.google.com/nikcollection/ They offer a trial of the whole suite.
Well worth the photodollars. VSCO Film Company also offer up some B/w conversion presets but they are not in a collection, they are spread out over their 4 available preset packs.
I recommend at the very least you try out Silver Efex.
Well worth the photodollars. VSCO Film Company also offer up some B/w conversion presets but they are not in a collection, they are spread out over their 4 available preset packs.
I recommend at the very least you try out Silver Efex.
Sep 26, 2013 10:50:17 #
I'm using Lightroom, Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 and Topaz B&W Effects 2. All three work well. I've failed at finding a "best" or "favorite".
You can download trials of all three.
You can download trials of all three.
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Sep 26, 2013 10:57:52 #
1Georgie wrote:
Looking for a black and white converion software.... What is your favorite or what do you recommend ?
Silver Efex Pro
Sep 26, 2013 11:45:58 #
Agree with the comments above NIK Silver Efex Pro. You will have to buy the NIK Collection to get it though but all of the bundled programs are good. ;)
Sep 26, 2013 11:50:01 #
Silver Efex Pro 2, developed by Nik Software, now bought and owned by Google. It may offer a trial period allowing you to try before you buy. I own and use this b&w converter, and can highly recommend it.
The black-and-white adjustment tool in Photoshop also does a fine job of converting an image into b&w. I use it as an alternative for its specific color sliders allowing a fine tuning of tonal values.
You may also wish to try Alien Skin Exposure 5 for its b&w conversion. I own and use this software for its b&w conversion. I like the presentation of its various film looks, and the custom adjustments.
Vincent Versace has a book out with a tutorial-like approach to doing b&w conversions: From Oz to Kansas: Almost Every Black and White Conversion Technique Known to Man.
You may wish to consult this instructive book. One caution: It aims at an audience at the intermediate level and higher.
The black-and-white adjustment tool in Photoshop also does a fine job of converting an image into b&w. I use it as an alternative for its specific color sliders allowing a fine tuning of tonal values.
You may also wish to try Alien Skin Exposure 5 for its b&w conversion. I own and use this software for its b&w conversion. I like the presentation of its various film looks, and the custom adjustments.
Vincent Versace has a book out with a tutorial-like approach to doing b&w conversions: From Oz to Kansas: Almost Every Black and White Conversion Technique Known to Man.
You may wish to consult this instructive book. One caution: It aims at an audience at the intermediate level and higher.
1Georgie wrote:
Looking for a black and white conversion software.... What is your favorite or what do you recommend ?
View from Road Off Scenic Road, Capitol Reef NP
Sep 26, 2013 12:07:58 #
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Sep 27, 2013 08:49:16 #
Sep 27, 2013 08:54:42 #
dusty3d wrote:
I have NIK and Topaz but I lean towards NIK.
I agree. Have used both, like NIK better.
1Georgie, keep in mind that a Black & White print is not the same thing as a desaturated print. The RGB channels very definitely come into play in Black & White and how you adjust them is what really makes the image go from good to outstanding. Whatever software you decide to try, be it freeware, shareware or retail, make sure you have some control over the RGB channels.
Sep 27, 2013 09:39:35 #
Good point. But a true b&w converter allows adjustment for the RGB channels for tonal values.
Yet, the Gradient Map tool adjustment in Photoshop essentially desaturates an image but has a feature that allows toning of the image. This approach sometimes gives quick, acceptable results.
You may also tone the image within the tool options. Of course you may also apply a color filter using that tool after closing the Gradient Map tool.
The Gradient Map tool has been updated. Search for a recent tutorial to learn more about this tool.
Yet, the Gradient Map tool adjustment in Photoshop essentially desaturates an image but has a feature that allows toning of the image. This approach sometimes gives quick, acceptable results.
You may also tone the image within the tool options. Of course you may also apply a color filter using that tool after closing the Gradient Map tool.
The Gradient Map tool has been updated. Search for a recent tutorial to learn more about this tool.
Picdude wrote:
I agree. Have used both, like NIK better.
1Georgie, keep in mind that a Black & White print is not the same thing as a desaturated print. The RGB channels very definitely come into play in Black & White and how you adjust them is what really makes the image go from good to outstanding. Whatever software you decide to try, be it freeware, shareware or retail, make sure you have some control over the RGB channels.
1Georgie, keep in mind that a Black & White print is not the same thing as a desaturated print. The RGB channels very definitely come into play in Black & White and how you adjust them is what really makes the image go from good to outstanding. Whatever software you decide to try, be it freeware, shareware or retail, make sure you have some control over the RGB channels.
Mesa Near Canyonlands NP
Sep 27, 2013 10:25:22 #
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Sep 27, 2013 11:21:14 #
DXO Optics has a free download for Film Effects 3 which includes several presets. Thing about presets is that you can then go back in to refine the edit after you run them. The free offer ends October 31.
Sep 27, 2013 11:23:51 #
[quote=ziggykor]DXO Optics has a free download for Film Effects 3 which includes several presets. Thing about presets is that you can then go back in to refine the edit after you run them. The free offer ends October 31.[/quote
Thanks. I will look into it.
Thanks. I will look into it.
Sep 27, 2013 11:44:46 #
At http://www.dxo.com/intl/photography/dxo-filmpack there is a "FilmPack 4" for $80. I can't find "Film Effects 3". Do you have a link or source?
Sep 27, 2013 12:07:50 #
Film Pack 4 is the latest version.
bsprague wrote:
At http://www.dxo.com/intl/photography/dxo-filmpack there is a "FilmPack 4" for $80. I can't find "Film Effects 3". Do you have a link or source?
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