What method for converting to blk & wht ? I'm curious as to what method works best for converting color digital to black and whites. I relieze that most photo editing programs have a...

notnoBuddha

I'm curious as to what method works best for converting color digital to black and whites. I relieze that most photo editing programs have a "convert to" option, but one also is able to go to the saturations, adjust colors, and or color curves to convert. Does not seem like I can get the full tonal range most of the times. I have attached at least one that is not a true blk & what but may have been one of my better efforts, no still not really pleased. Comments? Suggestion? Indifference?

Omaha Beach - Normady

jdtx Loc: SA, Tx.

I am not a big fan of B&W so I don't do many of 'em, seems to me it has to be a certain "type" of picture to look good in black and white,,but I use mostly the Nik Color Efex Pro 3 when I do do them.

GlensLens Loc: Davenport, IA, US

B&W can be a hard thing to some to get. I started out in B&W 40 years ago and know it's not fun some times.
I use FastStone (@.org) for the color saturation. By boosting the reds and blues, then converting to B&W. This shot of a duck was full color. When turned to B&W with no color boost it looked flat and dull...no blacks just grey. After boosting color, reducing gamma and adding a smidge of contrast I liked the end photograph much better.

Watertree Duck

notnoBuddha

Thanks for the response. I will try that.

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

Shooting b/w for me is a challenge. Not so much in that the technique is challenging - as there are plenty of post-shoot retouch technology out there - but more that the subject has to be so interesting without color that you intentionally take the color out or leave in a bit.

I do prefer to use a product like Corel PaintShop Photo Pro X3 to remove color as that gives me what I call "hindsight sight." Sometimes I really screw the shot but find later it is a pretty good b/w print.

Here is a recent pic. Nikon D5100 70-300mm (FL 75mm) 1/4000, f-29, ISO 100. Left the sun in for dramatic effect.

Local park at noon on cloudless day shooting directly overhead

notnoBuddha

Thanks for the replies - I am taking notes and will try to see what I can do. Have a pretty good day. I have added a couple that some or most may think extreme and a little more then what I am mostly talking about but in this case I like the way they turned out.

notnoBuddha

Attn WMralls; I do like the pictures you added, maybe the second the best. It seems to include a wider range of grays then many pictures which is what I'm talking about.

n781lc

Those are very good and hard to beat. But, have you tried NIK Silver EFEX Pro 2? I love B&W and shoot a lot of IR importing to Lightroom, strip any remaining color and edit in SEP.

You can download a trial: http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro/usa/entry.php

Disclaimer :-)

I am just a hobbyist and have no connection

ed

Attached file:
(Download)

Attached file:
(Download)

RonaldLewis Loc: Chicago, Illinois

A lot has to do with the program you use to convert the original file. Also to get really good B&W you need to shoot is raw and get all of the information. Also it depends on who prints the original file. Some printers cannot not give you the tonal gradation of the image as you processed it.

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

notnoBuddha wrote:

Attn WMralls; I do like the pictures you added, maybe the second the best. It seems to include a wider range of grays then many pictures which is what I'm talking about.

The second pic was taken with the same gear, same place but I used the D5100's ability to select a color (orange in this case) and gray out all other colors. I agree the range of grays form pure black to white is an interesting effect. I am going to work more with this capability ans see what develops...
:)

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

notnoBuddha wrote:

Thanks for the replies - I am taking notes and will try to see what I can do. Have a pretty good day. I have added a couple that some or most may think extreme and a little more then what I am mostly talking about but in this case I like the way they turned out.

Perspective is obviously a theme here. Very nicely done. What/where is the subject matter in the first photo of the geometric construction?

notnoBuddha

Att; wmralls - I understand the need, want, or desire of many to find the subject in every photo, in everything. The photo that you asked about is in fact a photograph of an abstract piece of art that was somewhat altered, enhanced or mutilated - depending upon ones perspective by photo editing. In my personal, subjective view I like the lines and the texture. Not often but some art {for lack of a better word} I feel, more then understand. The fact that others do not see as I, nor me as they do - only means we are human. I do appreciate all comments from all - please continue. Enjoy the day. I have added another that is also abstract but may also be reconizable.

Train station - Belguim, applying glass roof panels

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

notnoBuddha wrote:

Att; wmralls - I understand the need, want, or des... (show quote)

Maybe we disconnected. I did not intend to infer that the pic lacked a subject. I love the design elements, perspective and focal point. When I asked about the "subject" I was just curious as to what the object was that comprised the pic. That said, I believe all pics have a subject even if the subject imparts more toward an emotional impact rather than a strictly factual one. You and I agree, I think, that photography like other forms of art is in the eye of the beholder. Otherwise, why do we bother?

notnoBuddha

Attn; wmralls - yes indeed, I did misunderstand what was being asked. The abstract that you asked about is a scculpture located in a nature park in the Netherlands. It is comprised of metal tubes and cables into a tower that is about 30 feet tall. The picture was taken by me, on the ground in the middle looking up. I cannot recall the name of the work nor the artists, but I do remember they are from Oregon. If you would like more information - one of these days I am sure to run onto it.

wmralls Loc: Kansas City

notnoBuddha wrote:

Attn; wmralls - yes indeed, I did misunderstand what was being asked. The abstract that you asked about is a scculpture located in a nature park in the Netherlands. It is comprised of metal tubes and cables into a tower that is about 30 feet tall. The picture was taken by me, on the ground in the middle looking up. I cannot recall the name of the work nor the artists, but I do remember they are from Oregon. If you would like more information - one of these days I am sure to run onto it.

Looks like I have found it.
Kroller-Muller Museum and Sculpture Gardens

Here is a pic from the internet of the sculpture.