What would you do if aimed for B&W result?

[SaharaWizard]

Using Photoshop I changed the mode to gray scale an am wondering if this is the best way to do this?
If you are aiming for b&w what would you diffeently right from the start?
C&C on photo are most welcome.
SW

[Titus213]

I've been using the channel mixer lately since it gives you more control.

[goforphoto]

Convert the image mode to CYMK, desaturate, adjust the color channels for contrast, revert to RGB, desaturate again and you are done.

[Grain]

Convert the image mode to CYMK, desaturate, adjust the color channels for contrast, revert to RGB, desaturate again and you are done.


Goforphoto you done it again. I have never tried it like that. Going through all my old pics now. So much more gritiness to them this way. Thanks very much and Merry Xmas!

[goforphoto]

Merry Christmas to you to Grain

[Broncobear]

Convert the image mode to CYMK, desaturate, adjust the color channels for contrast, revert to RGB, desaturate again and you are done.

Ok I'm going to ask a silly question that's going to make me look like a complete moron....but uhm what's CYMK?

[goforphoto]

A colour-specifying system that uses the subtractive primary colors cyan, yellow, magenta, and black. This system is popular in doing color separations for high-quality printing.

[Grain]

Just as goforphoto said.
I work at a commercial printers. In the new year I'll take some pics and post them showing how cmyk is used commercially on a printing press if you like.

[goforphoto]

CYMK Is not very practical for photo printing because of the multiple layers of ink it lays down, plus the print machines slow down because of this fact as well as the paper dry times increase. If you print in CYMK mode you have to really care about the color and have quality machines to do the job. But in photoshop you can do a few tricks in CYMK then convert back to RGB for the finished product.

[goforphoto]

Oh the sepia tones in cymk are better than rgb conversions also.

[Grain]

Yup not practical for pure photo printing but its the only real way in litho printing. We print conventional cmyk at a 200 screen also stocastic screening. When printing sepia on the press we will more often than not print cmyk but if money is an issue with the client then we will print duotones. (black and the chosen pantone with the screen angles set accordingly) Press speeds at our works vary from 15000 sheets an hour on the sheet fed up to B2 size and up to 45000 copies an hour on the web. We also print something called hexachrome (which to be honest is a waste of time) which is like HD tv in printing (colour wise allegedly!). If you intend your work to be published in mags or journals then 95% of the time it will be basic cmyk at either a 175 or 200 screen sometimes higher. The RIP on many systems these days cannot see RGB properly and will produce as black so for convenience everything should be changed to cmyk for litho unless any extra spots are to be used. Of course if it is just for a photo printer then totally ignore the above :) ;)

[goforphoto]

LOL all of that in one breath too.

[Grain]

Goforphoto, I know this is a bit off topic and all but..
You knowledge of photoshop is pretty damn good mate, the advice you give on here seems to be spot on. What do you do for a living? You a pro shooter, graphic designer or in the print industry? You ever considered doing a photoshop tutorial site?

[SaharaWizard]

Thank you all for your input specially Goforphoto. I tried your method and resuts was very good.
These edits are after taking the shot, is there anything you would do differently while you are taking the photo, keeping in mind that it would be for B&W ?
Happy holidays
SW

[Broncobear]

you guys rock :-)

[goforphoto]

Knowing the image will be converted, you should compose the shot at different angles to go for a dramatic look. B&W changes the entire feel of a photo shots that look good in color may not look as good in B&W but shots that are so so in color may look awsome after conversion.

[dan_c]

I use Nik Color efex pro

[mhardy]

http://www.photozo.com/forum/printview.php?t=1366&start=0 that is how I do it

[vwyob]

Thank you all for your input specially Goforphoto. I tried your method and resuts was very good.
These edits are after taking the shot, is there anything you would do differently while you are taking the photo, keeping in mind that it would be for B&W ?
Happy holidays
SW

mhardy I think you missed the point of the OP. ;)
Nice products BTW, though some of the samples are way too blown out for my taste, i.e the age action and the noise reduction. This, in all fairness may be because of the smallish size of the samples making it difficult to see any retained detail.