Homebody: A Photoblog of Kings Park (And Close By), #12: "Everything Looks Worse in Black and White??"

     I’m not sure I agree with Paul Simon’s sentiment as expressed in his song.  I’ve been drawn to black and white’s timeless quality for some time now.  It can be a challenge to learn to see potential photographs in black and white.  But once you get the hang of it you can produce some dramatic and classic images.

     In “Homebody #11” I talked about some tips for making black and white photos.  For example, looking for patterns, shapes, lines, textures, and high contrast scenes to take pictures of.  I also touched on converting color photos to black and white:  Don’t merely remove the color information, or desaturate, the color photo. Do convert the colors of the photo to black and white using, ideally, the RAW image file and black and white software.  Also, set your DSLR or advanced point and shoot to capture a RAW file but display on the LCD scene as black and white.  This will help you to learn to “see” in black and white.

     In the digital darkroom software replaces the paper, chemicals, trays, red lights and other equipment of the classic darkroom. This software can entail some expense.  However, the results can be outstanding once the learning curve is mastered.

     I have used Photoshop Elements, Photoshop CS-4, Nik Silver Effex Pro, and Topaz B&W Effects to make black and white conversions.  I have had good results with all these programs.  However, Nik Silver Effex Pro 2 is widely regarded as the standard of excellence in black and white software.  The accompanying photograph, The Bluff in Black and White, was made quickly and easily from a color photo converted to black and white in Silver Effex Pro 2.

     Nik Silver Effex Pro and Topaz B&W Effects are additional expenses to the Adobe products (Elements, Lightroom, and the new Creative Cloud concept that replaces the Creative Suite, programs).  There is free software out there, such as GIMP, but I do not have any experience with these programs.  If any one has any experience with these free options please post in the comments.  You can’t beat free…if it’s any good! 

     Kings Park Photo Club:  The next meeting will be this Thursday, August 15th at 7 PM at the Kings Park Library.  We will be discussing how we can give back to the community through our photography and how to participate in the International Photo Walk this October.  Come on down!

     Thanks for reading.  Please post any suggestions for future topics in the comments.