Comments on: An Adjustable Black and White Conversion in Photoshop Elements

By: T Schulz

T Schulz — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:10:01 +0000

I prefer using Corel PhotoPaint (part of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite). I find converting images to take far fewer steps and is much more intuitive than Adobe products. I can also see my changes previewed live on the full size image or in a side by side (ie. before and after) view before I make the changes permanent. Of course, once a change is made, you can always undo as well.

As with Adobe there are several different ways to convert a black and white image. There’s a menu option to simply convert to black and white, or you can desaturate, etc… in addition to being able to adjust hue, color tone, contrast, saturation, etc. if you so choose.

This is what I use in Windows. Check out their website (http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1191272117978#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0) If you’d like to try it before buying it, you can download a free trial version.

If you currently use Photopaint and want free support or advice, you can visit our YahooGroup at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cdug/ (CorelDRAW Users Group).

In Linux (or Windows), you can use The Gimp to do the same things. This operates in a more similar fashion to Adobe Photoshop. (http://www.gimp.org/) Of course, since it’s open source, it’s free. Very powerful program, though.

By: Jackie

Jackie — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:03:14 +0000

I have my own ‘formula’ for creating acceptable bl/wh from digital color photos – I had to create it b/c using the ‘Remove Color,’ ‘Grayscale,’ or even Desaturating options produce a very BLUE-and-white photo instead of a true Black and white. Has anyone else encountered this…I’m sure you have…why is it not discussed more?
I use PS Elements and literally have to create my black and whites – they have a distinctive tone to them …but they are truly my own :-).
best to all!

By: Richard Holden

Richard Holden — Mon, 18 May 2009 16:32:29 +0000

Another way to get more control over black and white conversions in Elements is to use a plugin such as this (it's free).

By: Arun

Arun — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:56:19 +0000

Wow.. It’s just amazing to know how many different ways can exist to do one thing!
I’ve seen so many other ways to do the B&W conversion, and this one seems interesting too.

Some other methods I’ve used:
- Using the Channel Mixer, and the Monochrome Option. This can be done with a little bit of Idea about the RGB of your picture.
- Using the desaturate option

I can’t recollect others right away, but my question would be what is the advantage of this method over the others? One thing I can see, is the advantage of using a Layer for doing this, so we preserve the modifications to the layers, and can get desired results.

By: Chris Sutton

Chris Sutton — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:08:16 +0000

Thank you – I will have fun trying it out. Nice to have a technique for us lesser mortals who can only afford Elements as opposed to the full Photoshop!!