Can some one give me hints on how to do good bnw conversions? I'm currently using the channel mixer style, but have not been able to make my pictures look enough like b&w film. Is it possible? Thanks. 
Black and White conversions
- Thread starter BurgaFlippinMan
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Phildate
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Using the Channel Mixer is considered the 'best' way of changing an RGB pic into B&W. However, it takes some skill to balance the levels correctly. If in doubt, try to just Desaturate and then play with levels/curves.
Never convert to Greyscale (but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this)!
I have seen a more complex tutorial on using Channel Mixer - when I can distill the essence of this to you I will.
Never convert to Greyscale (but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this)!
I have seen a more complex tutorial on using Channel Mixer - when I can distill the essence of this to you I will.
What I always do is to use a "Gradient Map" of black and white. This allows me to adjust the starting/ending of the black and white sliders, allowing me to adjust the amount of "dark/light contrast/saturation". To me it simulates the high contrast effect of B/W film quite well (which of course enhances the lighting and shadows in the pict)
Examples:
Purposely made darker
Highlights turned down by increasing the black gradient slightly
High contrast gritty feel
Examples:
Purposely made darker
Highlights turned down by increasing the black gradient slightly
High contrast gritty feel
Thanks! But erm, how does the the Gradient Map work? I mean, what slider does what?Denosha said:
Again, thanks for your help, I'm still quite a newbie to PS....- Status