This week I was playing with some older image files and changed them from color to black and white in Photoshop. It is really quite amazing how much control you have in making this transition. I feel fortunate that I have many years in a traditional darkroom making black and white prints. I think it really helps to make the transition from the color file to black and white.
6 comments:
I started out as well working for years in a black and white darkroom. I now shoot exclusively digital images and in color, but find that the way I see still often translates better into black and white. It IS interesting to see the transition and completely different image qualities that come out when I remove the color.
I haven't made black and white images for a long time. Thanks for reminding me.
I have read you from time to time, and now just added you to my blog list so I remember to check in more often...
Marc, so glad you wrote. I had you bookmarked on the TX computer but not in SMA. Now you are on both.
Sometimes, for me, it is hard to recognize that a digital color image can also look great in B&W. I get seduced by the color. But, if I take the time to play, I find that the mood I felt when photographing the object is best represented in B&W.
Glad to know you check in from time to time.
This is a coincidence. I was thinking of you as I took some shots of a dying date palm. I thought you could do great work with it in black and white.
I think one of the things that really makes a difference with black and white is the toning and when I have time have been experimenting with the various ways of doing so....but haven't really found 'the way' yet. I really like the 'nostalgic' effect the toning has added to this photo! Just curious if you have found a specific toning method that you like best? Beautiful still life, bu the way!
Howard, I have played with tint but most of the time I want my whites cleaner. So I also use a color balance layer and add red and yellow in varying degrees in the shadows, midtones and highlights.
Funny you should say that as that has been my issue as well. I don't like the whites being muddy. I have been trying to play with a gradient layer to achieve the same thing. I will have to try what you have mentioned as well.
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