Portrait B&W conversion

[eyeye]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with B&W conversion that is best for portraits? I use CS3 and I really just need a shove in the right direction. I have tried actions and gradient maps. So far I have not really come up with a method that has made me happy. Any help is very appreciated :heart:

 

[ksmattfish]

I used to use the channel mixer, but the latest versions of CS and LR have some pretty sweet grayscale filtering. If I want to make lips jump out I go heavy on the green channel. If I want to hide freckles or blemishes heavy on the red channel.

Personally I don't think the method of conversion is very important. It's the contrast that's going to make it or break it, and that can be adjusted many ways.

 

[rufus5150]

Try:

Lab mode -> select only the Lightness channel -> Go to edit -> apply image, if necessary select 'multiply' and adjust the opacity to your liking.

It's one I use often.

 

[eyeye]

you lost me on go to edit. I am looking at the edit menu and dont see "apply image"

 

[rufus5150]

Oh wait, it's not under edit. Next menu over. Image? Argh. I don't have it in front of me.

 

[rufus5150]

http://www.trustedreviews.com/images/article/inline/4617-CS3menu.jpg (not directions to, but the menu that contains it -- parent, not child menu) -- it's under the 'image' menu. Sorry about that.

 

[Flash Harry]

Look up Dr Browns image processor, he's a PS employee,(think) on his page you'll find numerous tips + actions for different PS methods of manipulation, there's one for what you need. H

 

[ksmattfish]

Here's a website that explains or links to most of the BW conversion methods I've run across.

http://www.blackandwhitedigital.com/

 

[eyeye]

thanks everyone!