converting pic to B&W... different methods?

[skimmilk68]

Only option I know to make pics B&W is image>mode>greyscale
or adjustments>desaturate

what are other ways to convert color pics to B&W?
any other ways to convert pics to sepia besides hue/saturation?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Did you check the Sticky thread ?

I beleive there are a few differnet metods listed in the tutorials Sticky thread in this forum.

[OceanRider]

I have searched the web and found thats it quite complicated to convert colour to BW, and then play with it (maybe its just me) Any body have any simple to follow steps for this process for Elements, hell I take anything at this point. I have been doing

Enhance>>Adjust colour>>>remove colour>>then playing with adusting brightness/contrast>>> then when happy "save as".....does this sound right??

[skimmilk68]

couldnt find the sticky... sorry i suck at the internet :(

[cricket]

I'm not familiar with Elements. In Photoshop you can go Image >Mode >Lab Color > Then open your Channels palette and click on the Lightness Channel. Then go to Image > Mode > Greyscale. This is a great method for skin tones.

Also, if you go to: http://www.adobeevangelists.com/photoshop/index.html and scroll down, there is a PDF file on Greyscale conversions.

[CyberDyneSystems]

couldnt find the sticky... sorry i suck at the internet


I'll show you how :)

If you click this link;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18

You will find yourself looking at the threads in this, the "Post Processing" forum.

In fairly large letters you will see the words;
Threads in Forum: Post processing and printing

Beneath that is a list of the threads in this forum, including the one we are currently typing in ;)

You may notice if you look at the first three such topics that to the left of the topic name is the word "sticky"

These threads are informational threads that are "locked" or "stuck" at the top the forum. There are threads like this in most of the forums here.

Many many times an answer to a question you have can be found in one of these stickys,. and there titles usually offer some indication as to whether this may be the case.

In this case you want the thread at the very top,. called;
"Sticky: Post Processing Tutorials List "

There you will find some information regarding B&W conversion as well a a host of other good info ;)

Hope this helps.

Also,. check out;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/faq.php?

[FlashGordon]

A real problem and limitation with PS Elements is that is doesn't have a channel mixer. As most of the more advanced B&W conversion methods ultimately rely upon this to some degree, the opportunity to replicate better converted images such as those generated in PS CS is somewhat limited. :confused:

That said, a better option in Elements is to desaturate the image and then use levels to adjust the dark, light and midtones. You will have more control and get a better image rather than desturating and using the brightness/contrast controls on their own.

Good luck!
Gordon

[malum]

http://www.optikvervelabs.com/default.asp

this free plugin does a great job. I use it over the FM B&W Pro plugin which I also have (that isn't free)

[OceanRider]

WOW i got this plug in tonight and it awesome!! Thanks very much!!