Black & White

[prince]

I guess am finally getting hold of processing a B&W image. I learned some steps from 3 different tutorials
Tutorial 1
Tutorial 2
Tutorial 3
Here are some approximate steps I followed (Don't remember the exact steps as I was experimenting)

• Cropped the original photo
• Desaturated
• Duplicated the layer
• Changed the blend mode to Overlay 100%
• Adjusted the curves to get more of white
• Flattened the image
• Duplicate the layer
• Filter>Blur>Surface Blur (Radius 10; Threshold 100)
• Change Opacity to 40%
• Flatten image
• Duplicate layer
• Change blend mode to Soft light
• Change Opacity to 20%
• Flatten image
• Duplicate Layer
• Filter>Blur>Smart Blur (Radius 5; Threshold 50; Quality - High; Mode - Normal)
• Change Opacity to 25%
• Flatten image
• Duplicate layer
• Now use the most handy Burn and Dodge tool
• Burn tool to highlight the shadows
• Dodge tool on areas where there is light and you need to add softness
• Once you are satisfied with the image flatten it
• Finally add Unsharp mask to get a sharp effect

I wanted the overall image to have a soft look with a tinge of sharpness around it
The opacity, blur settings, etc can be played around with depending on the photo you are processing.

I liked the way it turned out. Pretty close to what I had in mind.. one of those rare moments for me

Let me know if ya'll try these steps and get some good results.



Oh yea, don't forget to use the burn tool around the clothes, that gives a good effect.

Good luck!!

[pbdweeeebie]

I like it Prince, nice work.

I have yet to try your steps but will be certain too.

Thx for posting this.

[windrider86]

I like the photo but to me the black and white version makes it look like he's wearing a mask.

[prince]

Hmm... Thats what I figured. In fact I tried to reduce it but then I started losing the shape.. Will try something else..

[Korkalot]

I think this is a good start, but a lot of the natural grain from facial textures has been lost. The skin has a porcelain look in the white areas, but then the more shadowy sections of the face maintain some of the original grain. I don't know what to suggest in terms of steps or editing techniques, but I do suggest maintaining the natural look of his face. Otherwise, great job! Especially enhancing the graphics of the shirt.

[prince]

Originally Posted by Korkalot

I think this is a good start, but a lot of the natural grain from facial textures has been lost. The skin has a porcelain look in the white areas, but then the more shadowy sections of the face maintain some of the original grain. I don't know what to suggest in terms of steps or editing techniques, but I do suggest maintaining the natural look of his face. Otherwise, great job! Especially enhancing the graphics of the shirt.

Thanks for the encouragement. I was trying to get a soft look on the face rather than the natural grain. I guess I used a little too much of dodge :s