B/W Conversions

I really want to focus on monochrome photography for a while but when i go to photoshop to convert it always comes out well crap in a word anyone got any tips or pointers

Depends, what format you are shooting in, JPEG or Raw?

The Photomonk

i shoot in raw mostly

Which photoshop version do you've, the CS versions have some other ways to convert to B&W which might suit you better however I don't know what you're doing now.
I believe there are 8 or more ways to convert to B&W inside photoshop...

i have elements stefan

Ah okay, I can't help you with elements I've never used that one.

ok thankyou anyway

Don't worry Emma, Photomonk has elements and I'm sure he know some tricks, if not there are more then enough other members

I am going to have to do some playing around in Elements with some RAW photos. There is also a few ways this can be done. Have you tried from the Menu, "Image" then "mode" then "greyscale" then OK the removal of color information? If not try it. Then you can start doing your enhancements.

The Photomonk

I always use the hue/saturation tool when doing B&W conversions in elements.

In your layer palette, click the 'new adjustment layer' button (circle, half black, half white), and select hue/saturation.

In the first window that comes up, slide the saturation slider to the left, making the image black and white.

Now drop down the 'Edit' drop-down box (currently says 'Master'), and go through the other colours shown there, adjusting the 'lightness' slider, and seeing what effect it has on the image.

When you're happy with that, click 'okay' to save the new layer. You can then add another adjustment layer as above, this time a brightness/contrast, or levels, to work on the contrast in your image.

By using layers like this, you're not actually doing anything to your basic image, so if you don't like what you've done, you can either delete those layers you've just done, or double click on them to readjust them. You can also paint in masks, so they only affect part of the image.

Dan

Ok i have had a play around and done both options Dan your way is alot better gives you alot more control Thanks one more question which is semi related how do i add pics from elements to photobucket Elements is a new toy BTW i am used to Corel Elements alot better though

emma try reading though this post plus there is a pse forum on the net with some really good tips and hints older post


James

Glad to have helped.

Dan

Hi Emms,

Just noticed your plight...

The very best way in the whole world, bar none to make mono conversions is in Layers. Make two adjustment layers and change the Blending mode to "Color" (sic) then double click on the second layer which will allow you to alter "Hue" using the sliders. Then adjust "Saturation" slightly to suit. Finally flatten all layers and do a quick "Levels" check. Add a little mono grain and there you are!

I've made an "Action" to save time, this still allows you to alter the Hue, of course.

Hope this helps. I never use any other method unless the picture is a female portrait in which case...but I won't burden you with that now!

Best wishes,

Andrew

OK thanks for advice andrew will give it a try