Shooting digital in black and white (Page 2): I always shoot a normal raw image with my D7500 and post process to B&W with my software when I want a B&W...

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

theehmann wrote:

I have a Nikon D 7200 and would like to experiment with black and white photography. What settings should I use in my camera and can I use Photoshop Elements and Nik Collection to enhance my images? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I always shoot a normal raw image with my D7500
and post process to B&W with my software when I want a B&W

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

theehmann wrote:

I have a Nikon D 7200 and would like to experiment with black and white photography. What settings should I use in my camera and can I use Photoshop Elements and Nik Collection to enhance my images? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I shoot RAW in color for conversion to B&W later with Ps, ACR, Nik, Topaz. I usually will use the color channel sliders when converting and not use plain de-saturation. From so many years of shooting B&W film I can still think in black and white to judge a scene. Sometimes I even plan ahead to photograph something to be converted. So yes, I sometimes do shoot differently if using it for B&W. But everyone is different and you may need the help of seeing the image in Monochrome. You might also try a yellow viewing filter so your eye can see more of what you might get as a monochrome later.

theehmann

camerapapi wrote:

Another vote to shoot RAW data in camera and then convert to b&w. I use Topaz B&W Effects 2 but Nik software will do a similar job.
With RAW data we have more flexibility.

Thanks so much for your response.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

theehmann wrote:

I have a Nikon D 7200 and would like to experiment with black and white photography. What settings should I use in my camera and can I use Photoshop Elements and Nik Collection to enhance my images? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Take pictures as you normally do using the normal settings for color, then use your Nik Collections Silver Effects plugin for converting to B&W. Very easy to do and does a great job.

theehmann

jeep_daddy wrote:

Take pictures as you normally do using the normal settings for color, then use your Nik Collections Silver Effects plugin for converting to B&W. Very easy to do and does a great job.

Great tip. I can't wait to experiment on this today. Thank you so much for your response.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

You'll probably get suggestions to set the camera to capture monochrome. However, that renders a jpg output which may not be that satisfactory. I suggest shooting in RAW and making adjustments in processing. Then placing a black and white gradient over the adjusted colors. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-686209-1.html

It takes a bit of time to become proficient but the results are far better than in-camera camera conversion.
--Bob

theehmann wrote:

I have a Nikon D 7200 and would like to experiment with black and white photography. What settings should I use in my camera and can I use Photoshop Elements and Nik Collection to enhance my images? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

theehmann wrote:

I have a Nikon D 7200 and would like to experiment with black and white photography. What settings should I use in my camera and can I use Photoshop Elements and Nik Collection to enhance my images? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Shoot in RAW; 16-bit if it is available in the 7200. Process in color with the aim of differentiating tonal values. Convert to B&W as one of the final steps. I did a course with John Paul Caponigro 4 years ago in Thomaston, ME that really opened my eyes to the possibilities of this work flow. You can also do this in the B&W panel in LrC by adjusting color channels. Try it, you'll like it!

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

rmalarz wrote:

You'll probably get suggestions to set the camera to capture monochrome. However, that renders a jpg output which may not be that satisfactory. I suggest shooting in RAW and making adjustments in processing. Then placing a black and white gradient over the adjusted colors. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-686209-1.html

It takes a bit of time to become proficient but the results are far better than in-camera camera conversion.
--Bob

There are several ways to skin this cat but RAW capture clearly gives the most options for the expression of your concept.

theehmann

rmalarz wrote:

You'll probably get suggestions to set the camera to capture monochrome. However, that renders a jpg output which may not be that satisfactory. I suggest shooting in RAW and making adjustments in processing. Then placing a black and white gradient over the adjusted colors. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-686209-1.html

It takes a bit of time to become proficient but the results are far better than in-camera camera conversion.
--Bob

Thanks so much for this tip Bob. Much appreciated.

User ID

Even if shooting raw+jpeg, I suggest using rather strong lens filters just as you would with BW film. Ignore the warning that this will limit your choices during PP. That will be true but your early commitment to a strong filter directly on the lens cannot be imitated by BW conversion of an unfiltered capture during PP.

Don’t analyze my suggestion in your head. Just put it to the test. Try a #29 red. PP can approximate a #25 red, but the #29 is extreme.

If all your lenses are so-called “pro level” with huge front diameters then finding extra strong BW filters will be no fun at all :-( Strong filters are more common and affordable in the sizes common to the film era.

theehmann

User ID wrote:

Even if shooting raw+jpeg, I suggest using rather ... (show quote)

Great suggestion..I will try a filter. Thank you.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

User ID wrote:

Even if shooting raw+jpeg, I suggest using rather ... (show quote)

Not necessary! All filters can now be added in PP. Easiest to do in PS CC.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I don't know if you can do this with a Nikon but with a Canon you can set the camera on B&W and save RAR & JPG. That way you see the picture in B&W and save it in B&W, bit also have it in color in RAW.
It interesting when seeing BW as int takes a different picture that is, lines and contrast are the thing in BW.

User ID

BobHartung wrote:

Not necessary! All filters can now be added in PP. Easiest to do in PS CC.

I’m quite sure I wrote very clearly, so I must blame your misunderstanding on yourself. Try again.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

jaymatt wrote:

I believe you will get better results if you shoot in color and convert to b&w in post-processing.

I agree.