I typically focus on the large landscapes in the colorful morning light, but this morning the root of a pine growing out of a rock grabbed my attention. It seems like BW would be the best way to display this image but I never do anything like this and have no experience in converting to black and white. Based on what I've done, what advice can you guys give me on how to better process this? Thanks!
Nat, thanks for the input. I've never used that approach to BW conversion within Lightroom. Here is an updated version using your approach. I even got the leaves to stand out a little. Newer version
Perhaps what I am struggling with most is knowing what I should be aiming for in a BW conversion. I know what I want when I process in color since I have the original scene in my head, but I'm just not sure where to head in BW. What should I aim to achieve: high contrast, breadth of tonality, other???
Eric, I think it depends on the subject and your specific goals with that subject. B&W is very useful for conveying differences in light, and especially images that have ranges of light and shadow. That's probably the most well-known application. But, it also can be used to convey mood/atmosphere (fog is a good example), or texture. Im sure im forgetting a few things, but you get the point, it depends on your subject and what you are trying to say with it. In this example, it seems to me texture is the main focus of the shot. If that's the case, then Id say high-contrast is going to be most effective in conveying that texture (higher than what you've posted). That's my take on it, more as an observor than participant!
Posted by Paul Wegemann on June 18, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Erik, Although I like the BW, I'm kinda partial to the color version. It may just be that I'm used to your color work. I hope to see more BW from you though! I found some interesting tidbits about BW here - http://www.blackandwhitedigital.com/index.html
Also check out http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/color-black-white.htm
BTW, I think Stan's description really hits the mark.
Posted by Dan Walters on June 19, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Really like the BW version. Focuses more on the details in the image.
I've looked at your image a number of times before commenting, becasue I ask the same questions each time I do a BW conversion. I like Stan's explanation and agree that this image is all about texture.....and life in a harsh environment. I think the only change needed is to lighten the branch - which is the main focal point - and make it pop from the rock. I'd keep the leaves the same. For what it's worth......
Discussion
6 repliesHere is the original color version.
Can you tell us how you did the conversion? I'd recommend using Lightroom for BW conversions...
Starting with the color image, in the HSL panel drag all the Saturation sliders to -100.
Then selectively adjust the Luminance and Hue sliders to get the separation you want.
You might also fiddle with the White Balance; you may be pleasantly surprised and how much that can affect the BW conversion.
Of course, after doing this, don't forget the Tone Curve.
Personally, I'd like to see the leaves in the bottom left corner lighter, so they stand out against the rock behind them.
Nice work so far!
Perhaps what I am struggling with most is knowing what I should be aiming for in a BW conversion. I know what I want when I process in color since I have the original scene in my head, but I'm just not sure where to head in BW. What should I aim to achieve: high contrast, breadth of tonality, other???
Also check out http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/color-black-white.htm
BTW, I think Stan's description really hits the mark.
I've looked at your image a number of times before commenting, becasue I ask the same questions each time I do a BW conversion. I like Stan's explanation and agree that this image is all about texture.....and life in a harsh environment. I think the only change needed is to lighten the branch - which is the main focal point - and make it pop from the rock. I'd keep the leaves the same. For what it's worth......