21 replies to this topic

[markgoldstein]

I'd like to convert some of my colour photos to black and white, just to see what they look like...

Can anyone recommend a free/inexpensive action for Photoshop, or a standalone program?

I've found this technique:
http://www.outdoorey...om/photo73.php3

Cheers.

[collinf]

I assume you've tried the usual photoshop techniques?

You know, desaturate, greyscale etc.

Have a quick search round the techniques on Ephotozine, I believe there's a couple of tutorials on the subject.

If I remember I'll have a look myself, just a bit busy at the mo...

Collin

[markgoldstein]

OK, I'll take look on ePhotoZine and see what they recommend.

[cazmockett]

I think there's a standard Photoshop Action that will let you got to "Sepia" tone too (browney colour). Once applied you can click the layer and mess about with the colour to get any other sort of "toned" effect.

[collinf]

Did you find any Mark?

I found a couple of good ones, saved the links on my PC at home. I'll post them when I get home.

Collin

[markgoldstein]

Thanks Collin, that would be great :-)

I had a pretty busy weekend and didn't get chance to look - too busy meeting Billy Connolly on Saturday...

[collinf]

You lucky bugger! Always wanted to meet him!

Was it good?

[markgoldstein]

We went to a new British film called "Cheeky", directed by David Thewlis, at the Odeon in Leicester Square. Billy just happened to walk into the cinema as we were buying our tickets, then he queued for coffee behind us and talked to my girlfriend about the difference between a Tall and Grande coffee! High-brow stuff indeed

It was the premiere of the film, so David Thewlis, Trudy Styler and various other slightly famous Brits were all in the audience. Plus Billy and Kathy Burke as well.

And we just went because the film sounded good! (which it was).

[collinf]

Very nice!

First Tutorial This one gives examples.

Another Site. This one gives tutorials

And another one Didn't look to hard into this.

I'll have a look around Ephoto too.

[collinf]

One more for the mo:

Tips for better black & white using Elements

It's Ephotozine, I know it says Elements, but it transfers easily into PS7

[markgoldstein]

Thanks Collin!!!

[smslavin]

i didn't look into those links that collin posted but the best way to convert is to use the channel mixer. here's a quick tutorial from luminous landscape.

8)
sean

[collinf]

Sean, that's not necessarily true. It's dependent on the final effect you're after, one of the other methods may give a better result.

Nice tutorial link though, thanks for that!

[smslavin]

hmm... really? i'll have to give them a shot then. i've always just used the channel mixer.

8)
sean