Converting a photo into black and white

[NimishC]

Hi All,

Could you please help me with best techniques in photoshop to convert a color photo into high quality black and white image?

I have been using desaturation, black and white conversion, channel mixer. However, i want to know the combination of these to get a high quality B&W image.

Thanks

[teaking]

The most fully featured method with the most control I have saw up to now (and the longest lol) is to decompose your image into RGB layers. Then from these three layers you can arrange them in a stack or your liking and change the layer modes for example Green channel at the bottom (this seems to be a good base layer) then red and blue channel above in screen and overlay mode depending on which is darker and lighter although you have lots of different modes to play with and combinations of stacking them. Then change the opacity on the two above layers to control the effect. Then you can go to the bottom layer and use the curve tool to fine tune the effect. You can even add a layer above the base layer set it to overlay or softlight mode and paint using white or black brushes as a dodge and burn layer. This method does have a lot of control but can get very involving.

[NimishC]

Thanks. It seems a bit laborious though. Nevertheless, will give it a shot.

[wulf]

Originally Posted by NimishC

Thanks. It seems a bit laborious though. Nevertheless, will give it a shot.

Well, you did say "... the best method..."

I work in a similar fashion, decomposing to RGB channels. Look at each channel individually and then experiment with how to mix and combine them.

BTW, I've moved this to the post-processing technique area as it fits that much better than composition.

Wulf

[wilswong]

Instead of playing RGB at each layer. Perhaps give it a go by using the 'Channel Mixer'. Click Monochrome and then play the RGB. I will usually reduce the Red and Green Channel and boost the Blue for a more 'refine' look.

Still...it is based on individual taste when it comes to 'artistic feel' and even need to do some dodging and burning to get that full effect of 'popping' the subject.

Have fun!

[inkista]

Some of the most commonly-used techniques (channel mixer, hue/saturation adjustment layer, lightness channel in LAB, desaturate) and the thinking behind using each is described in this Cambridge in Colour tutorial:

Converting a Digital Color Photo into Black and White

Highly recommend taking a look.

[Free]

Easiest way is add a black and white adjustment layer (see attached image for easiest way to do that).

Have a play with the pop up dialogue box that appears. You can apply filters at the top and then tweak as required.

HTH
Free

[NimishC]

Originally Posted by teaking

The most fully featured method with the most control I have saw up to now (and the longest lol) is to decompose your image into RGB layers. Then from these three layers you can arrange them in a stack or your liking and change the layer modes for example Green channel at the bottom (this seems to be a good base layer) then red and blue channel above in screen and overlay mode depending on which is darker and lighter although you have lots of different modes to play with and combinations of stacking them. Then change the opacity on the two above layers to control the effect. Then you can go to the bottom layer and use the curve tool to fine tune the effect. You can even add a layer above the base layer set it to overlay or softlight mode and paint using white or black brushes as a dodge and burn layer. This method does have a lot of control but can get very involving.

From what i understand, I should first convert my image into black and white and then decompose it into RGB layers and try the method that you suggested for better results. Is that so?

[wulf]

No - you decompose the RGB image into layers. Each of those layers is a monochrome image reflecting either the amount of red, green or blue.

The reason I prefer the decompose method to the channel mixer is because it gives the freedom to mix the order of the channels and add other effects, such as overlay or screen mode. You might also use a layer mask if one channel gives detail you want in a certain area of the image but you want to tone it down elsewhere.

Wulf

[teaking]

Yep what Wulf said above decompose into layers

I know it isnt the easiest or fastest method but its the only method I have saw up to now that gives the most control and from the opening post I tried to put forwards a method that would allow for that.... and once you get a rhythm going it really isnt that bad haha