Help with editing B&W images please

TimSandhu

TimSandhu

Suspended / Banned
Messages
458
Name
Tim
Edit My Images
No
I've been playing around with a few B&W images and trying to figure out an optimal way to approach the editing process. Currently, I'm doing the following:

1. open image and duplicate layer.
2. apply curves adjustment.
3. duplicate layer.
4. convert to mono using the channel mixer and adjust RGB ratios
5. + [any other adjustments]

Is there a better method to get a nice range of tones and contrast for B&W? Just wondering what others use and if they'd care to share?
 
I tend to convert something like this...

1. Open Raw file in CS4, tweak exposure if needed, and maybe bump the contrast a little/

2. duplicate background and create a working layer (layer 1)

3. Create a curves layer (curves 1) and alt-click between layer1 and curves1 to assign the curves just to layer 1

4. Add a black and white layer, and fiddle with the sliders until i'm happy :lol:

5. If needed add another couple of layers for dodge and burn (black fill layer with a mixing mode of Linear Dodge - spray white 1% onto the black layer to dodge image, overspray black if you overcook it - same with burn only a white fill layer mix mode linear burn and spray black to burn in)


All pretty much non-destructive and reversible (as I do tend to stuff things up a lot!)



Or alternatively, just shoot Ilford HP5+ and push it one or two stops... :lol:
 
yep, in cs3 or 4, the black and white adjustment layer is easily the best option. not sure why you need to duplicate the bg layer though, if your workin with adjustment layers. No need at all.
I have started using nik software, silver efx pro. it really is a great program for bw conversions.
 
idigitize said:
SNIP... not sure why you need to duplicate the bg layer though, if your workin with adjustment layers. No need at all.
Click to expand...

As I said, I tend to stuff things up a lot - it's always nice to have 2 copies in memory of the original, just in case I think I'm painting in a layer mask, and actually have clicked in the image! Once i'm happy and stopped tweaking, i'll usually delete one of the layer copies.:D
 
In my opinion the best B&W conversions are done by shooting Raw and using Lightroom to do the conversion.
This gives you complete control over each colour channel and is of course non destructive - you can go back and tweek it as many times as you like.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top