First try at B&W with digital, help me improve.

[Coco-Puffs]

I usually only shoot monochrome with film but this is the first time I tried B&W with my digital EOS.

It was kinda dark outside (shot around 8PM) so I had to crank up the ISO (which I HATE to do) b/c I didn't have a tripod. So as a result, there's noise and I tried removing it with 'Neat Image'. But now, I feel like I got the noise out but lost detail. ugh, I could never win.

EOS D30 + EF-S 18-55mm
1/25, f3.5, ISO800
Shot at an Opera house in Tokyo.

noise reduced...
http://x98.xanga.com/1f4a22520413361185954/w41015758.jpg


original with some touch up w/ Photochop.
http://x2d.xanga.com/934a03542143161185734/w41015603.jpg

This is my second time posting anything in this section so I'm kinda nervous, but I'm gonna give it a try because I really like this shot.

[getting-started]

Personally I like this picture before you used Neat Image. I usually only use the noise reduction in grainy skies, or in other cases where there is a large amount of a single colour shade when the noise is standing out a lot. In some cases, the noise and grain can add characeter to a picture, which I think works well for yours.

[sando]

#2 is better, much more depth to the pic.

BTW, does anyone just 'desaturate' their image or do you get BW some other way?

[Tee Why]

no. 2 is nicer with more contrast.
I don't mind the noise of higer ISO, I say if folks are noticing noise, then work on a more interesting composition.
:)

[Coco-Puffs]

thanks for the comment everyone :).
yeah, when i removed the noise, it just takes out too much detail. and i guess like Tee Why said, i should work on my composition if I keep on questioning the ISO noise.

and sando, is there any other way to make a picture B&W besides desaturating???

[sando]

and sando, is there any other way to make a picture B&W besides desaturating??? It's PS... there's 8,000 different ways to do everything! :)

[aussieskier]

I really do like the 2nd one more there is just something about it maybe it "depth" I do not find the noise distracting, then again I am used to high speed b/w photos. Nice job with these tho.

[jwkramer]

I like #2 the best as well.

-JK

[ChP]

For another way to convert to black and white (and IMO most often the best) try using the Channel Mixer on an adjustment layer. Tick the monochrome box and play with the sliders. Try upping green and red and pushing down blue for a dramatic effect.

I second the above comments, I like the shot without the noise removed; more texture and a more natural look. I like the way the post seems to hover a bit.

[Grace]

Coco Puffs, do you have photoshop? if you do...run a search, either here on POTN or google, look for actions.. There are as Sando said, 8,000 ways to convert!

one such place is:

http://www.atncentral.com/

lots of cool black and white actions there.

[yarga]

I agree with you all, thinking the photo with noise look nicer. I never thought noise could be a good thing. I will have to experiment with this.

[Coco-Puffs]

thanks for the comments everyone!
yeah, i think I do like it with ISO too...weird. i guess rules are meant to be broken.

and kathy, ill have to try those actions. especially those sepia ones :)