My B&W’s are dull, pls help

[4-ever-blessed]

This is straight off the camera, there are no high lights, it’s plan and dull… I would have used auto and I know it’s not in fucus, but I love it all the same.
I had a go in Lightroon 2 not sure about it but it’s lighter..
This is what I got.
But I really would love to know how, do I get this right straight from the camera, so I don’t have to learn editing skills. Some editing is fine, but…
Please tell me, it is possible isn’t it, to get great B&W or Monochrome straight from the camera, isn’t it?
How do I do that. Some tip of where to start with setting would be really helpful thanks
Original straight from camera
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/mtma/ds/IMG_5208.jpg
Edits
1
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/mtma/ds/contrastexsposure-23.jpg
2
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/mtma/ds/contrastexsposure-22.jpg
3
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f346/mtma/ds/7912f0db.jpg
Do any of these work? Please Say no if they don’t so I have an idea thanks.

[TheHoff]

Edit 1 isn't too far off. I definitely would NOT let the camera do the b/w. You can do a more careful b/w conversion with Lightroom as you can selectively lighten and darken tones. Google 'black and white conversion' for some tutorials as there are 10 different techniques.

[4-ever-blessed]

10 :shock: really, oh my, umm where would I start lol.
thanks for this

[TheHoff]

heh sorry I was just estimating -- to say that there are a lot of different ways to do it.

[4-ever-blessed]

ok thanks

[fotofun]

heh, actually there are 9 of them :) I hope this will help you!
9 Ways To Convert Your Image Into Black And White (http://www.shotaddict.com/tips/article_9+Ways+To+Convert+Your+Image+Into+Black+An d+White+Format.html)

Btw, I really like the 3rd variant of editing, it looks more balanced and sharp.

[cgatto]

Don't use the on-camera black and white. I would shoot in RAW and do the black and white conversion in photoshop or lightroom, or whatever it is you edit your photos with.

[4-ever-blessed]

thank you both I havn't been on so hadn't posted
Will check out the link thanks again

[martin-images]

Join this little specialized forum to learn the art of mono

Martin
http://www.runboard.com/bthedigitalmonochromeforum

[xepherys]

What lens did you shoot this picture with?

Part of making an image "pop" is in the glass, both just the lens itself (some have better properties for certain image types) and also focal length. A <50mm lens will not work well for portraits. Usually an 85mm or so is great on a crop body for great portraits.

Also, it looks like maybe you were trying to fill flash, but it created a shadow on the stump. I'm not saying any of these things will prevent you from making a great B&W, but it may make it harder for you to be satisfied with the overall picture. If it just "feels" wrong, consider these things.