|
This lesson demonstrates how to convert coloured photographs into dramatic high contrast black and white. To work along, download my Tynemouth image Here.
Unzip the file and open the image onto Photoshop’s workspace.
Creating high contrast images is not a precise science - every photograph is unique, and therefore requires different settings and strengths.
Undo and Navigation Steps
Two ways of undoing steps are from the top menu, Edit then Step Backwards. Alternatively, click a previous snapshot in the History Palette.
Navigate (zoom in and pan) your image using the Navigator Palette,
or the Zoom Tool. 
Activate The Hand Tool by tapping the Spacebar, keeping the Spacebar pressed, pan your image in the usual way. 
1/
Open your image onto Photoshop’s workspace.
2/
Then from the top menu, choose Layer then choose New Adjustment Layer then choose Gradient Map.
3/
Click OK in the subsequent New Layer dialogue box, and you will see the following Gradient Map dialogue box. To change the gradient, click the tiny black triangle below - numbered 1.
4/
Then click the triangle (above) number 2, and locate the Metals gradients.
5/
Now left-click the Steel Bar gradient.
And your coloured image will change to black and white.
6/
To change the gradient’s placement, click the following gradient bar.
And you will see the following Gradient Editor dialogue.
7/
Now, grab the white Colour Stop (highlighted above) and drag it towards the right. Note: The position of the Colour Stop largely depends on your image. Therefore, nudge the Colour Stop to the right, bit-by-bit, until you see a contrast you like. Additionally, see what happens when you place a tick in the Reverse box (below). When you like the look of your photograph, click OK.
The gradient above, changed my photograph to the following.
8/
From the top menu, choose Layer then choose New Adjustment Layer then choose Hue/Saturation. Click OK in the subsequent New Layer dialogue box.
In the Hue/Saturation dialogue, change the Saturation settings to the following.
Note: Although you will see little difference in your image, this step is necessary.
9/
Now, activate the Background layer. 
From the top menu, choose Image then Adjustments then Channel Mixer. Ensure Monochrome is ticked, and experiment with different settings to effect a high contrast.
The Channel Mixer is the most important tool for creating high contrast black and white - and different settings may be more appropriate for your image- it depends on your image, and the result you are seeking.
Dodge and Burn Tools
You can further lighten (and darken) areas using the Dodge and Burn Tools.
Dodge and Burn Tools Tutorial. Note: Dodge lightens and Burn darkens.
Work between Highlights, Midtones and Shadows, changing the Exposure as necessary.
Tip
Apply the Dodge - or Burn Tools - with very low Exposure, and build the effect, gradually. I lightened my clouds with the Dodge Tool, using Midtones, with a very low Exposure.
Blur Tool
The Blur tool is useful for softening areas.
Lighting Effects
To apply lighting effects - from the top menu, choose Filter then choose Render then Lighting Effects. I chose the (blue) Omni Lights filter, which I then faded (top menu then Edit then Fade).
Wendi E M Scarth. Top of Page - Home.
|
|
