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B&W Conversion

published by exposed.bz on Tue, 04/24/2007 - 2:55pm

With the same image in my previous post I also experimented with B&W conversion. I used the tutorial on "Local Contrast Enhancement" by Kalle as a final step in this conversion which I have to say I really liked what it did for this image. How can this image be improved?

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Taking & Processing Photographs

Submitted by Rene Damkot on Tue, 04/24/2007 - 3:04pm.

Again: By adjusting the monitor: There is a line parallel to the head, , then extending out a bit into the mic, then in at his chin.
As a workaround: Assuming you use Photoshop: Open a levels adjustment layer (curves will work in CS3, not in CS2), and click the black level slider ("input levels"), while pressing the alt key. That will give you a clipping alert. This will quickly tell you if you have a non-black BG.

Submitted by exposed.bz on Tue, 04/24/2007 - 3:13pm.

And with that information I can now see what you are talking about. Very frustrating. I guess I will have to refrain from posting anything more until I can do something about my display. :-[

Bryon

Submitted by Rene Damkot on Tue, 04/24/2007 - 5:29pm.

Nah, you just have to do one extra step to double check. Laptop screens can be a pain...

Then again; I like what's happening in the eyes, beard and hair... I think the face gets a bit too contrasty, but I'm not into high contrast for b/w images myself, so it might be a taste thing: I used to use gradation 2 where others used 3 in the film days ;)