My first try at Photoshop CS2

[Moody Blues]

Trying to learn how to use layers to accent some Black and Whites

[2goldens]

The second shot is great. I would frame that one.

[freddycr]

Good effort !!!
Crop's not the best in no 1 , and BW contrast too low on no 2, but you're on the right path.
Keep'em coming.
Regards

[jfrancho]

I think these could be better if you concentrated first on the monochome conversion. The B&W portions of these lack contrast and interest. martin-images has a Q&A thread going that shows off some killer techniques. To make this effect compelling, you are going to have to start with a compelling B&W image.

[Moody Blues]

Both shots were shot late in the day with a 70-200 f/2.8L

The first shot was at F/4 and the second at f/2.8. That explains some of the softness.
I did nothing to either pic exept to desaturate them 100%
I, of course, placed the B/W over the color and erased the B/W and exposed the color.

As you can see, I have a lot to learn.

[freddycr]

You should use channel mixer-desaturate to convert to BW. A high contrasted BW is most effective for the partial desaturation.
Check out this pic I took a while back (just to demonstrate , don't want to hi-jack your thread)


http://www.dphoto.us/forumphotos/data/511/2555enjoy-clouds1_Medium_.jpg

[jfrancho]

I did nothing to either pic exept to desaturate them 100%.That is the part that needs help. See the link I posted, and freddycr's post. The Kelby book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0321330625/qid=1124222087/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-6160212-5125667?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) has some good techniques, too.

[Moody Blues]

The Kelby book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0321330625/qid=1124222087/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-6160212-5125667?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) has some good techniques, too.

How do think I got this far?

I am getting into the book now. It sure is hard to practice with a 3 and 1 yr old running around.

[LastLine]

Second one's my favourite, for me the bluish greyish eyes in the first don't stand out enough to really get what you're trying to do. Great first efforts on the software though!

[jfrancho]

How do think I got this far?

I am getting into the book now. It sure is hard to practice with a 3 and 1 yr old running around.Even better, go check out the chapter on B&W, trying out the different techniques. Once you have a technique you like, try the burn and dodge skills detailed by martin-images. Then apply that selective color treatment as the final cherry on top.