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Black and white photo conversion from color digital image files: Technique Phototorial
Summary: Black and white photos from digital color image files are made possible by using Adobe Photoshop. Use this PORTRAITSECRETS How-To Phototorial to see the options available when using computer software.
Black and white photos offer a classic style.
Today's digital technology allows photographers to capture images in
high quality files with vivid color and clarity.
There is a growing popularity for black and
white photos. Conversion of those digital files to black and white is a
relatively uncomplicated process.
At PORTRAITSECRETS we use Adobe Photoshop as the primary software for processing digital photos. There are other software programs that can assist with the task, but Adobe Photoshop is the choice of PORTRAITSECRETS.
Methods, choices and personal preference
There are several methods of
conversion from color to black and white. The following methods,
complete with screenshots will allow you to use your computer software
to make the changes.
Hue/Saturation
The simplest method is to use the hue/saturation control in Adobe Photoshop.
Under the image menu select adjustments and cascade to the
hue/saturation control. Slide the saturation control in the palette to
the negative values until the color disappears in the file. Make
additional adjustments in levels, curves, brightness/contrast,
shadow/highlight as desired.  | | Begin with a color photo. |
 | | Under the image menu, pull down the cursor to adjustments and move to the right to hue/saturation control. |
 | | Use the cursor to slide the saturation control to the extreme left to remove color saturation. |
 | | The results will provide a color image that appears as a black and white photo. |
 | | After clicking the OK button the file appears black and white. Further toning adjustments can be made as desired. |
Grayscale conversion
Another method is to simply convert the file to
grayscale mode. This reduces the file size dramatically. If
you want to work in a true "color" black and white image (providing a larger file size) you can convert
the file to RGB color mode. Make additional toning adjustments as desired.  | | Begin with a color photo. |
 | | Under the image menu, pull down the cursor to mode. Move cursor to the right to grayscale. |
 | | Click the OK button to remove the color and complete the grayscale conversion. |
 | | If you desire a "color" black and white file, under image pull down the cursor to mode and over to RGB to complete the conversion. The file will convert automatically. |
Channel mixer color conversion
Another effective, but more complicated conversion method, is to use
the channel mixer color conversion to black and white. Access the
channel mixer under the image heading,
cascade to
adjustments and then cascade to channel mixer palette. Check the
monochrome box in the lower left corner of the palette to work on the
file in a monochrome RGB mode. Make adjustments in any combination of
Red, Green or Blue slide adjustments to get the desired effect. Adjustments in the contrast values can assist in toning your image.  | | Begin with a color photo. |
 | | Under the image menu, use the cursor to pull down to adjustments and over to channel mixer. |
 | | Checkmark the monochrome palette in the lower left corner of the new window. |
 | | Make toning adjustments of Red, Blue and Green sliders in random combination to tone the photo. Adjustments in the contrast slide near the bottom of the palette values may also assist in toning. Click the OK button to save the changes. |
 | | A finished black and white photo converted from a digital color image file remains in the RGB mode. |
Another method of conversion is to use the
lightness channel. A bit more complex, this method is excellent in
dealing with landscapes and architecture. Scott Kelby, a certified
"expert" in digital photography and authority on Adobe Photoshop
details additional methods, including the lightness channel conversion,
in his many books. Written in a "down to earth" plainspeak style, Kelby
addresses all matters of image workflow management in his fully
illustrated books. PORTRAITSECRETS
is a fan of Kelby and is convinced that any photographer of any skill
level can benefit from Kelby's advice. Kelby recently added a DVD to
his collection.
Here is a list of Kelby's books and DVD:
- The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers
- The Photoshop Elements Book for Digital Photographers
- The Adobe Photoshop CS Book for Digital Photographers
- The Photoshop Cs2 Book for Digital Photographers
- Digital Photography Killer Tips
- Photoshop Elements 3 DVD for Digital Photographers
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
• more tips & tricks
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
• read Michael's answer
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