Advanced Digital Black & White Photography

Page 51

..

which make up the color image. Each

My initial diagnosis of this picture

see three alternative interpretations of

image is different. Looking at the

is that the Green channel produces the

the photograph. There are times when

examples below, the Blue channel

best overall conversion, but the face

this completely changes how you

picture shows the man's face is very

works better with the Red channel, so

initially intended to compose your black足

dark in that channel, while the

I need a second adjustment layer. In

and-white image. I don't pretend looping

background and his vest are very bright.

other words, before you add an

through the channels is a magic bullet,

That would be their appearance in the

adjustment layer to make the image

but try it and see if your results improve.

final black-and-white image if you

black and white, the Ctrl/O+ 1-3 cycle

stressed the Blue channel in your

tells you which sliders you may want to

conversion. During this process you are

adjust, and whether you might need to

looking at specific details within the

make some selective mono conversions

photograph. Pressing Ctr1/0+2 for

with extra adjustment layers.

Green makes the vest look dark, making

The second reason for this cycle is

the lettering stand out, and tones down

far less tangible. Seeing the three

the background, while Ctr1/0+1 for Red

channels' individual black-and-white

produces the brightest facial detail.

representations is a really quick way to

Green: Ctrl/0+2

Blue: Ctr1/0+3


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.