When would you convert photo to B&W, or monotone?

Himalayan · Jun 15, 2004

For me, I would convert color photo into B&W, or monotone when:

1) The picture color is not very good, make it a mone color picture may help hidding unwanted color information.
2) need to add a special feeling to the picture. e.g. sephia for "dated" photo.

How about you?

terri · Jun 15, 2004

I would agree. I really enjoy B&W portraits, anyway. I think sepia can definitely add a nice "flavor" to an image.

This image here is a very nice family portrait. The main thing that is spoiling it for me is the severe crop on the father's face. Getting in tight can be effective, but here I think a little too much was cut off.

Rainman · Jun 16, 2004

It depends on the feeling being conveyed. If the idea revolves around colors like, say, a garden in full bloom on a beautiful day, color is the message. However, the same exact scene, which may also be rich in the different textures of a variety of foliage and bloom shapes, plant sizes, cloud formations, etc., could also make a striking B&W. Sometimes colors can be a distraction.