So we've discussed the plethora of ways that we can convert colored photos to b&w.

But is there a standard b&w setting? How black is black and how white is white? I realize that even b&w is not black and white and can really be subjective but I was just wondering if you guys have a b&w photo or preference that you try to emulate when you do your conversions.

I've been talking to a friend of mine about b&ws and it really made me think as his way of converting to this medium usually ends up in varying shades of grays. As he tells me, it's not the b&w that he wants but real BLACKS and WHITES.

I look at some photos in magazines and books and realize that some actually have a grayish touch to it.

The same line of thinking goes for sepia as well. When you look at old photos, well, some of them are more sepia than others.

So what's your idea of BLACK and WHITE? It would really help if you have a photo to match your preference or what you think is the "gold" standard for b&w.

To the experts, hope you can share your b&ws.

I'm off to Palawan tomorrow. Can't wait to see your responses when I get back this Saturday.

Thanks for playing :)

Raul

hi raul it really depends on your preference and what you are trying to convey. for instance, when i do my conversions i will only stop when i have an extreme variation in tonal range. meaning you can spot pure whiter and pure black tones and eveything in the middle.

i usually dont stop there and will usually play with sepia filters for more drama. there is no formula and the approximations and workflows will vary from person to person. my advice would be to experiment, have fun and post your pics. youl find your own unique style in no time.

Im really not sure about that raul, I usually gradient map pure black and white on some pics where texture is really important, but add some colour when doing portraits or landscapes. But mostly it just depends on the pic :) I just play it by ear :)

but im no pro, so i wouldn't know if there's really a standard or not :)

IMO BW images in general should be strong but should not hurt the eyes. It should also have a good tonal range of grey. :)

in effect of the B&W territory is not that much. but it only adds up another side of the photo (i mean the real photo).

i like B&W even without filters. pag may filter e hindi na B&W yan. :-)

You might want to check this site (http://www.digital-photography-tips.net/black-and-white-digital-photography.html), as it explains a simple workflow on BW photography, conversion, and adjustments.. indeed the channel mixer on PS delivers solid blacks/whites.. in the end it is your subject and your own preference that would dictate what B/W intensity is most suited..

hope this helps..