Color VS B&W

[bookloveraz]

I was just wondering how I should know whether to shoot in color or black and white... I suppose color would be good to do all the time, because then you can convert it later. But when should I convert it? Just wondering!

[Photologyst]

Some subjects lend themselves better to B & W than to color. You will see as you go along what those are.

There is a thread around here about old tobacco barns. Those look better in B & W. Some portraits are better done in B & W as well—as are a myriad of other subjects.

Always shoot in color, RAW to get the whole range. You can always convert to B & W, but coloring a photo is a real pain.

Experiment with converting. Then post both and let others give you feedback.

[bookloveraz]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Some subjects lend themselves better to B & W than to color. You will see as you go along what those are.

There is a thread around here about old tobacco barns. Those look better in B & W. Some portraits are better done in B & W as well—as are a myriad of other subjects.

Always shoot in color, RAW to get the whole range. You can always convert to B & W, but coloring a photo is a real pain.

Experiment with converting. Then post both and let others give you feedback.

Okay, I guess I'll just experiment. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't allow me to shoot in RAW. It's the only reason I want a DSLR.... Any tips on coloring? I've never tried it before and don't have any clue now!

[RLucas]

I would advise shooting in color .jpg and steer clear of the b/w mode in the camera. If you shoot in color, you can convert a copy of it to b/w with whatever software you use. If you let the camera do it for you, you will not be able to get the color back if you want to later.

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by bookloveraz

Okay, I guess I'll just experiment. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't allow me to shoot in RAW. It's the only reason I want a DSLR.... Any tips on coloring? I've never tried it before and don't have any clue now!

What software do you use for PS processing?

[bookloveraz]

I have Arcsoft Photo Studio 5.5, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 (really old.....), Jasc Paint Shop Pro (not sure of the number... It's not installed at the moment, and I can't find the CD), and I could download GIMP if needed. I also can use Pixlr.com. Will any of those work? There is a possibility that I might be able to get a newer version of PE soon, but not for sure...