Converting to B&W. Best way?

[FlyTVR]

I'm a big fan of B&W. However, using elements 'Convert to black and white' seems to do a vanilla job.

I posted some recent shots for P&P, and a couple of responses pointed out the lack of punch.

So, what's the best way to convert to B&W?

If any of you PS experts would like to 'soup' up one of my pics as an example - well - that would be great.

Cheers.

FlyTVR

 

[Toxic]

Silver efex pro from Nik software, a plugin for photoshop.

 

[stokecity_m]

Silver efex pro from Nik software, a plugin for photoshop.

ps - stokecity_m@yahoo.co.uk - if you want me to put one of your pictures though silver efex pro for you.

 

[gingerjon]

So, what's the best way to convert to B&W?

I use the Gradient Map. Seems to work nicely and when combined with levels, contrast, brightness, filters etc I think you've got as much control as you need.

Silver efex pro from Nik software, a plugin for photoshop.

It's £200 though.

 

[FlyTVR]

Excellent - I'll have a look at the trial version tonight. Thanks!

Any other tried and tested methods.

I'm starting to realsie that B&W...... well it's not black and white!!!!!

 

[photostar_1]

I've been playing around with Silver Efex Pro and love the "film styles" they provide.
This was done with one of them (can't remember which though!)

 

[AndyB]

I dont think there is a best method. Each image has different needs and there are a variety of ways to convert to BW in Photoshop. You just need to experiment with each and find which suits your style best

 

[paulhuk]

When I looked into this recently, I found these the most useful.

Fairly simple:

http://bestdesignoptions.com/?p=4032

Pretty damn complicated John Caponigro's Black & White Conversion Tutorial pdf and action (which still works with CS4):

http://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/ps_pro_primers.html

and there are loads more of his ideas and words of wisdom here:

http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/blog/


Paul

 

[FlyTVR]

When I looked into this recently, I found these the most useful.

Fairly simple:

http://bestdesignoptions.com/?p=4032

Pretty damn complicated John Caponigro's Black & White Conversion Tutorial pdf and action (which still works with CS4):

http://www.adobe.com/digitalimag/ps_pro_primers.html

and there are loads more of his ideas and words of wisdom here:

http://www.johnpaulcaponigro.com/blog/


Paul

Thanks Paul. I'll have a look at those.

 

[tiler65]

I'm a big fan of B&W. However, using elements 'Convert to black and white' seems to do a vanilla job.

I posted some recent shots for P&P, and a couple of responses pointed out the lack of punch.

So, what's the best way to convert to B&W?

If any of you PS experts would like to 'soup' up one of my pics as an example - well - that would be great.

Cheers.

FlyTVR

What software do you have, this will help us determine what to suggest for you.

 

[FlyTVR]

What software do you have, this will help us determine what to suggest for you.

Elements 7.

 

[tiler65]

Elements 7.

Try this

http://tv.adobe.com/watch/learn-pho...arted-17-converting-color-to-black-and-white/