Basics of black and white shooting question.

Always convert in post, much more than raw vs JPEG, the camera will throw away data that you'll definitely need for a good B&W conversion.

Read up on LAB color (apologies for US sp) method of conversion.

Although many recommend just buying silver fx.
 
I shoot raw and then convert in Capture NX2.
I don't know your camera but I can set mine to B&W even though I am shooting raw. It then displays the jpeg on the screen in B&W so I have a better idea of what I will get after converting. :)
 
Is converting to b&w just a case of opening the image in Photoshop and selecting to option to convert to greyscale? Or is there more to it?
 
Guitarbloke said:
Is converting to b&w just a case of opening the image in Photoshop and selecting to option to convert to greyscale? Or is there more to it?
Click to expand...

Go to 'Layer's and select 'Adjustment Layer' / 'Black and White'.

Then just move the sliders until it looks right.

I'd also advise doing the same as above but selecting 'Contrast' and boosting this to give a more punchy looking B&W image where there's a larger seperation between the dark and light parts of the image.
 
Guitarbloke said:
That's awesome - thanks! :)
Click to expand...

No problem.

I would advise against just clicking on 'destaurate' as it won't let you then play around with the sliders to make each different part of the image lighter or darker.

Adjustment Layers also allow you to just delete them and bring back the original image if you get it badly wrong. Not sure if you know much about adjustment layers but if not always use these.
 
Suvv said:
I shoot raw and then convert in Capture NX2.
I don't know your camera but I can set mine to B&W even though I am shooting raw. It then displays the jpeg on the screen in B&W so I have a better idea of what I will get after converting. :)
Click to expand...

^^^ This.

You can also adjust how the JPEG preview appears in picture styles, to mimic the final effect you want (eg coloured filters) so you get a better idea of how things are looking as you go along. The Raw remains untouched, full colour, for finishing in post.
 
HoppyUK said:
^^^ This.

You can also adjust how the JPEG preview appears in picture styles, to mimic the final effect you want (eg coloured filters) so you get a better idea of how things are looking as you go along. The Raw remains untouched, full colour, for finishing in post.
Click to expand...

I love these little gems that I never know about - cheers Richard! :thumbs:
 
Phil V said:
Always convert in post, much more than raw vs JPEG, the camera will throw away data that you'll definitely need for a good B&W conversion.

Read up on LAB color (apologies for US sp) method of conversion.

Although many recommend just buying silver fx.
Click to expand...

You have taught me well Phil. lol That is exactly what I was thinking but wanted to make sure. Thanks.
 
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