Converting color images to monochrome (software options)

[plugsnpixels]

I just posted a free ezine where you can read about converting color images to monochrome using Photoshop-compatible plug-ins.

No registration is required. Enjoy!

[Ronnoco]

I think that more photographers should consider WHY they are converting a colour image to monochrome. One of my most successful images was an image shot with colour film that was more monochrome in nature because of the lighting.

Ronnoco

[plugsnpixels]

Usually it's for artistic reasons. Like you said, very muted colors (desaturation) are often more attractive than complete monochrome. Or antique colors such as I showed on the MTTC page.

[Ronnoco]

Usually it's for artistic reasons. Like you said, very muted colors (desaturation) are often more attractive than complete monochrome. Or antique colors such as I showed on the MTTC page.

The only problem with black and white for artistic reasons is that black and white is judged on the dynamic tonal range from rich blacks to accurate whites. This means shooting in RAW and editing as much as possible in 16 bit before doing the final conversion to 8 bit for showing or printing. The blending of grey scale shades also becomes a quality issue.

I have seen very few monochrome shots with the requisite dynamic grey scale range that signifies quality in black and white photographic work.

Ronnoco

[danag42]

If you want to convert to black and white, use the Channel Mixer is Photoshop. There are recepies available to imitate your favorite black and white films, and use a top-quality printer to get the deepest blacks so you have a decent tonal range.

If you want to be really aughentic, add some noise to simulate grain. It actually works really well.