Need help with Black and White conversion

[Sheiky]

Hey people, thanks for replying!

My suggestion: Do not focus on the tools right now. It does not matter if you are using Lightroom, Photoshop or a plug-in. Instead go buy a book or go to the library and get a book with lots of b&w images. Study them, pick the ones you like, then try to replicate the ones you like. When you master that you have come a long way.

I guess that's a good idea as well, Johnny. Now that you mention it, I have a book and I'm pretty sure it mentions a chapter about B&W...can't believe I never thought of that

The b&w conversion tool in combination with brushes and dodge&burn will cover most of your needs. My most used b&w tools are the plug-in mentioned and dodge and burn in Photoshop.

Well the point is, that I really need to know how and where to start. I guess if my start will be OK I'm more than curious enough to play around with it until I achieve what I want.

You can of course buy "one-click" plug-ins and scroll through a list of presets. It can be a starting point and help you get going.

After that I have no clue what to change [:P]

There are no short cuts I´m afraid, just a lot of work ahead if you want great b&w images. ( But you already know that.. )[img]/emoticons/emotion-1.gif[/img]

Yeah well I didn't expect anything like that, but of course it would be nice []

There are a lot of books out there that can be recommended

<div>Thanks for the suggestion Lars, although English is not my native language and so English books aren't always available here. I'll start with what I have and keep searching.</div>
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you are perhaps a few steps above amateur?

Nah definitely not in any aspect and when it comes to portraiture and B&amp;W I'm a total newbie [] but that's ok [:P]



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If you come across another easy guide for B&amp;W photpgraphy, let me know, I am always interested in gaining more knowledge on digital photography.

Will do!

Are there any programs/plug-inns you use

http://www.kubotaimagetools.com/actions.html


Heard this guy was pretty good with his plugins, but do agree B&amp;W photos are subjective.

Looks great! But...kinda expensive I think...at least for my kind of usage. Thanks for the tip!

B&amp;W reqiues different lighting than color - something software can't do. Nevertheless, I have some actions that might be useful to you. I can email to you if you are interested.


Richard

That would be great Richard! I will PM you []


Thanks again everybody and still every tip and hint is welcome!


Jan






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