Question on shooting B&W (Page 3): I shoot in color, change to B & W with software, but also keep the original color. Gives me more options for using the pic. I have shot some using...

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I shoot in color, change to B & W with software, but also keep the original color. Gives me more options for using the pic. I have shot some using the camera's B & W option, but cannot see any difference than when I convert a color to B & W.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

insman1132 wrote:

I shoot in color, change to B & W with software, but also keep the original color. Gives me more options for using the pic. I have shot some using the camera's B & W option, but cannot see any difference than when I convert a color to B & W.

Then you haven't fully explored the options available when converting color to B&W. There are many variations available concerning how the colors are translated into B&W tones.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

HOT Texas wrote:

First let me say I'm not a fan of B&W, But I was wanting to try shooting some, mostly street photography, so my question is are most of you shooting in B&W or changing it to B&W with software? Or does it matter?

I think for a lot of people it depends on what their views are on post processing in the first place. Many people view PP as a drudge and consider every minute spent in front of a computer screen in post as a minute robbed from their photography time. Personally, I'm just the opposite. Half the reason I take pictures is so I get new images to play with in Photoshop.

A point to consider (especially if you record jpg only) is that by capturing the picture in color you're retaining as much information as the camera can record about that scene at that time. Relatively speaking, it's MUCH easier to remove color from an image (desaturate it) in software than it is to add color to a B&W image. You never know when you may wish you had a color version if that B&W picture.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

HOT Texas wrote:

First let me say I'm not a fan of B&W, But I was wanting to try shooting some, mostly street photography, so my question is are most of you shooting in B&W or changing it to B&W with software? Or does it matter?

Since you're not a fan of B&W, I'll say to shoot color first then convert.

Unless you are color blind, it is very-very difficult to see something and convert it in your mind.

It's basically a one-click, (three clicks if you start the editing program from total scratch), to make the switch to B&W in Capture One Pro. Then if you wish, you can modify additional B&W "colors" from there. Once again, simply done in Capture One Pro.

(Another "unless".)

Unless you've got connections with NASA, it's very difficult to quickly convert from B&W to color should you find color to really be what you wanted.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

HOT Texas wrote:

First let me say I'm not a fan of B&W, But I was wanting to try shooting some, mostly street photography, so my question is are most of you shooting in B&W or changing it to B&W with software? Or does it matter?

i use a leica monochrom digital imaging body and so conversion is not an issue for me. perhaps others, not owning such a device can provide better information.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Linda From Maine wrote:

There was a topic on this recently; I'll look for the link. Shooting in color, most particularly in raw, allows you much more latitude with your b&w conversion via software.

Of course it also depends on which software you use. Ideally, more than a one-click conversion

What she said.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Black and White is an art. It is now easier than when we were using film and an optical darkroom due to the excellent conversion programs available.
I am going to say that shoot the original in color and using software make the conversion.
There is a learning curve involved, especially tough for those like you that do not like it and have no experience with black and white photography.
I think that Linda has resumed it all to perfection.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

For me the best results are to shoot in color (raw) then in PP convert to B&W.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

for the very best results, use film.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I follow Burke's suggestion of shooting in JPEG B&W + raw (so I can "chimp" in B&W on the LCD) and then converting the raw file to B&W in post with either PS or PSE using the (free) Nik Silver efex pro plug-in which provides great flexibility.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

wj cody wrote:

for the very best results, use film.

But to get the best results with B&W film, you either need to set up a darkroom and learn to print yourself, and it's a steep learning curve, or find a lab that still does old-fashioned skilled darkroom work (good luck).

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

A coupla things here. If you are just trying to see if a shot is better in B&W then, of course, shoot it in color. That aside, shooting only in monochrome is a great way to learn the basics of what makes a great picture. Remember all the great photographers in the past shot only in B&W, as that was all that was available. All of us who remember the smell of developer and fixer still miss the magic of the photo coming to life in the darkroom. As a learning excersize, try shooting ONLY in B&W for a week or 2. Yoy just might be surprized at the results.

arousey Loc: Morrison, Colorago

Here is a great video tutorial on how to use the channel mixer to create and control black and white conversions. I think it's one of the best ways to go about it if you don't mind doing some post processing. I prefer anything that gives me control versus the software. Then I always have the raw file should I want a color version.

http://photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/convert-photos-black-white-photoshop-best-way/

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I capture all images in RAW and process them as appropriate. You can always go back and start over and you have far more image data to work with.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

Linda From Maine wrote:

There was a topic on this recently; I'll look for the link. Shooting in color, most particularly in raw, allows you much more latitude with your b&w conversion via software.

Of course it also depends on which software you use. Ideally, more than a one-click conversion

Principle 1: Never throw away data. Always shoot RAW, then manipulate, extract, manipulate again--if you want.
Principle 2: See Principle 1.