Contrast grading or another decent B&W technique?

IanC

IanC

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Can anyone here give me some pointers to contrast grading? I want to give my B&W images more "punch". There doesn't seem to be many free sources of information on the net?

Thank for any help
 
You make two duplicate layers (after the bw conversion) the top layer has a fair bit of contrast added (say about +50) and is set to overlay blend mode at about 50% opacity (varies) the bottom duplicate is low contrast(-50), the idea is you get the high contrast off the top layer while retaining the highlight detail from the lower duplicate layer.
 
Thanks Wayne, I will give this a shot. I'm a relative amateur in photoshop so I am not immediately familiar with the terms below but I'm sure I will get the hang of it :thumbs:

swanseamale47 said:
You make two duplicate layers (after the bw conversion) the top layer has a fair bit of contrast added (say about +50) and is set to overlay blend mode at about 50% opacity (varies) the bottom duplicate is low contrast(-50), the idea is you get the high contrast off the top layer while retaining the highlight detail from the lower duplicate layer.
Click to expand...
 
swanseamale47 said:
You make two duplicate layers (after the bw conversion) the top layer has a fair bit of contrast added (say about +50) and is set to overlay blend mode at about 50% opacity (varies) the bottom duplicate is low contrast(-50), the idea is you get the high contrast off the top layer while retaining the highlight detail from the lower duplicate layer.
Click to expand...

To me that explains it perfectly. Great tip, thankyou
 
A single new layer on 'multiply' blend, with opacity suitably adjusted, can work on some shots. Don't make the mistake of thinking there is a 'one for all' solution. Each shot will need it's own treatment. Just playing with the sliders can lead to interesting results!
 
A huge amount of info and image sharing from masters of contrast grading, Martin Henson and Ian Barber (a member of this forum too) on here, one of the finest B&W resources on the net..

http://www.digitalmonochromeforum.co.uk/forum.php

You ultimately have to pay for the CG tutorial CD, but you will find a substantial amount of free information, tips, advice and critique too.
 
horrocks said:
A huge amount of info and image sharing from masters of contrast grading, Martin Henson and Ian Barber (a member of this forum too) on here, one of the finest B&W resources on the net..

http://www.digitalmonochromeforum.co.uk/forum.php

You ultimately have to pay for the CG tutorial CD, but you will find a substantial amount of free information, tips, advice and critique too.
Click to expand...

Thank you
 
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