A (B&W) Rose is a Rose? Inspired by the 4/20/2018 discussion about B&W, and needing to experiment with my new Sony HX80 I shot a rose and converted it to B&W in post.

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Inspired by the 4/20/2018 discussion about B&W, and needing to experiment with my new Sony HX80 I shot a rose and converted it to B&W in post.

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Your conversion demonstrates how nearly identical those particular red and green colors are in tonal value. If you are interested in doing more with b&w, look for software that includes virtual colored filters. They work in the same way as real filters used with b&w film. For this particular shot, you would have the option of making the green much darker and the red much lighter - or vice versa. A whole new world awaits!

cabunit Loc: SE Connecticut

I like the detail in the B&W, especially the edges of the petals, however, it's difficult in this case for me to prefer it overall. In the color version, the bright red pulls my attention away somewhat from the bright background, but in monochrome, the bright background seems to take over. Perhaps a really close crop on the blossom might be an idea (with a boost in contrast?). OK, so I love B&W, and I'm trying to make it work. You may hear from others who can't understand why you'd do flowers in monochrome anyway. Some subjects adapt really well, others don't seem to. Ultimately it's up to you. Have fun!

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Linda From Maine wrote:

Your conversion demonstrates how nearly identical those particular red and green colors are in tonal value. If you are interested in doing more with b&w, look for software that includes virtual colored filters. They work in the same way as real filters used with b&w film. For this particular shot, you would have the option of making the green much darker and the red much lighter - or vice versa. A whole new world awaits!

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Linda From Maine wrote:

Your conversion demonstrates ...

Thanks, Linda. I didn't expect anyone to see this so quickly. What a pleasant surprise.
I use Photoshop Elements 12... from a few years ago. I think it can simulate color filters for B&W but not sure. I'll check it out.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

cabunit wrote:

...in monochrome, the bright background seems to take over...

Definitely a concern IMO.

Another idea for converting: using Elements, you could change the color saturation (of either or both colors, up/down) prior to conversion. There are some b&w pre-sets in PSE that can help get you on your way also. But you may love it as-is, in which case I'll stop talking now

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Guyserman wrote:

Inspired by the 4/20/2018 discussion about B&W, and needing to experiment with my new Sony HX80 I shot a rose and converted it to B&W in post.

I also experiment with Infrared with a converted camera. I can leave the results in False Colors or go further to B&W. IR and UV photography can be totally unreal but amazing worlds of their own. And allow more explorations in to art and creative and abstract photography. ( I don't have the equipment for UV.)

whwiden

Linda From Maine wrote:

Your conversion demonstrates how nearly identical those particular red and green colors are in tonal value. If you are interested in doing more with b&w, look for software that includes virtual colored filters. They work in the same way as real filters used with b&w film. For this particular shot, you would have the option of making the green much darker and the red much lighter - or vice versa. A whole new world awaits!

Exactly right. Excellent comment. For an interesting insight, one might enjoy reading how B&W film photographers use colored filters. A classic example is a red rose and green leaves.

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

cabunit wrote:

I like the detail in the B&W, especially the e... (show quote)

I agree the white background in the B&W needs some attention. Maybe I'll repost it with something done about that. I'm excited about having B&W brought to my attention.
I know what to expect from the nay-sayers. I'll mostly just ignore them.

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Linda From Maine wrote:

Definitely a concern IMO.

Another idea for converting: using Elements, you could change the color saturation (of either or both colors, up/down) prior to conversion. There are some b&w pre-sets in PSE that can help get you on your way also. But you may love it as-is, in which case I'll stop talking now

This was done with one of the presets but I'll certainly experiment with changing the saturation of different colors as well as using the filters. Please don't stop talking.

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

lamiaceae wrote:

I also experiment with Infrared with a converted camera. I can leave the results in False Colors or go further to B&W. IR and UV photography can be totally unreal but amazing worlds of their own. And allow more explorations in to art and creative and abstract photography. ( I don't have the equipment for UV.)

I'll have to pass on infrared. I don't have any infrared film. (That's how far behind times I am. A lot of catching up to do.)

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

whwiden wrote:

Exactly right. Excellent comment. For an interesting insight, one might enjoy reading how B&W film photographers use colored filters. A classic example is a red rose and green leaves.

You've piqued my interest. I've got a lot of reading to do.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I sent you a pm with a couple of quick edits, just as food for thought

...per your OK, I am posting the last set I sent to you. As with any editing, everyone has their favorite way to get from A to B, and there are usually several choices. And with b&w, there are seemingly infinite ways to tweak the tones + work with light and shadow.

I prefer Nik Silver Efex for b&w and working with layers in PS Elements, but I did these with just the basic PS Elements tools.

Thanks for the opportunity!

color curves to reduce contrast

(Download)

another color step I did was tweak shadows, highlights, then convert to b&w, upped the red, lowered the green

(Download)

final step: selection tool for brightening buds and main rose, clone tool for a bit of darkening at top (on right)

(Download)

Guyserman Loc: Benton, AR

Linda From Maine wrote:

I sent you a pm with a couple of quick edits, just as food for thought

...per your OK, I am posting the last set I sent to you...

They're beautiful. I've got a lot to learn but I'm game. This old dog can still learn tricks.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Guyserman wrote:

They're beautiful. I've got a lot to learn but I'm game. This old dog can still learn tricks.

(oh and to clarify: #1 was in prep for conversion, not intended as stand-alone)