Ron began his presentation talking about what he likes about black & white images and his methodology for converting a color image into a black & white image. Here are some of the major steps involved.

 

The first step is to analyze an image to determine whether or not it is a good candidate for conversion to black & white.

• Images with morning or evening light are often good candidates.

• Also images with a lot of texture make good candidates.

• Surprisingly, images with low contrast often make good candidates.

 

Once an image has been selected the actual processing begins. Here are a few tips.

• Follow a consistent work flow

• Use the greatest bit depth (16)) - One that doesn't collapse under severe (if necessary) manipulation

•   Start with the largest color space (ProPhoto RGB) - One that gives the greatest color latitude for manipulation

•   Use non-destructive techniques (allows one to back-up when necessary rather than do-over)

•   Manipulate as necessary - Do this non-destructively using layers in this order. Make Global changes first and then make Local changes

 

Begin making adjustments starting with a RAW image using ACR then Lightroom. Then do the following:

•  Adjust for lens profile

•  Under Basic - Select Auto

• Increase Clarity

• Increase Vibrance

 

Next open your photo editing software of choice that supports layers. Follow these steps creating separate layers.

• Make the best color image you can

• Increase the brightness a very little

• Increase the contrast a little

• Increase the structure/clarity/local contrast as necessary to achieve good 'local contrast'

• Then convert to B&W using the best plug-in that allows adjusting; brightness, contrast, structure Ron uses the NIK Silver Effects Pro Photoshop plugin. There are others such as Topaz's B&W Effects, and On1 Photo 1

• Apply a little vignette focusing the viewer to see what is important (keep as top-most layer)

• Remove distracting elements (clone/heal non-destructively on a separate layer)

• Carefully search your image looking for flaws. Get rid of bright spots, darken bright areas, and don't allow distractions around the edges. Remove dust spots and other distracting artifacts.

• increase depth of the elements within image by lightly painting with light (dark/light) brush strokes - non-destructively.

• Save result as your master image file with all layers

 

Now your are ready to show the world, well at least family and friends, what you created. Follow these steps.

 

To prepare for distribution/email/computer viewing.

• Open master image file

• Flatten all layers

• Set image size (dpi=100, size = 1024x768, 1920x1080/...pixels)

• Sharpen using your favorite sharpener

• Edit -> convert profile to sRGB

• Save results as JPG. DO NOT save as the master image file as you will loose your layers

 

To prepare for printing

• Open master image file

• Flatten all Layers

• Set image size ( dpi=300, size = 4x6, 6x9, 10x15, etc. inches)

• Sharpen using your favorite sharpening tool

• Convert profile to Adobe 1998

• Print (If you don't know how to do this attend a Print SIG meeting) 

 

The end result of this processing is the conversion of the color photo on the left to the stunning black & white photo on the right. While it sounds simple the actual process is quite involved and takes practice and experience. Ron has the experience to make it look easy. You had to be their to appreciate Ron's level of knowledge and skill.