Got this cool new software for converting color photos into B+W..watch out Ansel!

[Karp]

Originally Posted by Nebuchadnezzar

Can you add a slight haze to the lit parts?

Leave the dark parts sharp, but soften the lit parts would do wonders. I can see it in my mind, but don't know how to describe it so that you know what I'm saying.

Hmmm.... not sure, but it is definitely something I can look into. I have had the program for about 4 days now. It is pretty extensive, so I have only scratched the surface of what it will do.

Originally Posted by fredtoast

When shooting with B&W you can do a lot with color filters like whiting out the sky with a blue filter or making it darker with a red or yellow. Does this software give you those type of options?

Yes, it give you all of those filter options. As a matter of fact, the shot from the AT, near Grayson Highland, the one with the big white puffy clouds, I applied a red filter. It even has an option that simulates classic old black and white film brands, suchs as, Kodak T-Max 100, Agfa APX Pro 100, Ilford PAN F Plus 50, Fuji Neopan ACROS 100, and several more. It has a bunch of one click presets that are pretty cool, but I much prefer using the custom settings to dial in what I think looks best.

[Karp]

Hopefully I am not becoming a bore...anyways, here is one of my favorite shots from last April's trip to the Smokies, converted to b+w.

[fredtoast]

Here is a tip Carp. Use a green filter on close up portraits. For some reason it brings out all the texture in the skin.

Not for "glamor" protraits, but for portraits that attempt to show the "character" of a person.

[TrinaAnn]

Originally Posted by Karp

Hopefully I am not becoming a bore...anyways, here is one of my favorite shots from last April's trip to the Smokies, converted to b+w.

that is so beautiful. Love the fog.

[Karp]

Originally Posted by fredtoast

Here is a tip Carp. Use a green filter on close up portraits. For some reason it brings out all the texture in the skin.

Not for "glamor" protraits, but for portraits that attempt to show the "character" of a person.

I have actually tried that on a few of my portrait shots, just playing around, and it wasn't very flattering. Now, with the right subject, and pehaps dark "low key" ISO setting, I can see where it would make for a very dramatic image. I can envision some craggy old sea captain on the ships prow at dusk looking out over the sea.

[Bengal Droppings]

Do you know if Adams manipulated his photos besides your typical dodging and burning?

This picture Feels like it is a combination of photographs based on the lighting.

[Karp]

Originally Posted by Bengal Droppings

Do you know if Adams manipulated his photos besides your typical dodging and burning?

This picture Feels like it is a combination of photographs based on the lighting.

To be quite honest, I am not very well versed when it comes to dark room techniques. Before I got on board with digital photography, I relied on a photo lab to process all my stuff. I would think that it may have been possible for Adams to have cut and spliced negatives together to get the final image that he had in mind.

[XenoMorph]

Originally Posted by Karp

I agree Robbie often times b+w can be more dramatic than color under the righ circumstances. Here is the color version of the same picture. Nice shot, but IMO not nearly as intriquing as the b+w version.

Black and white work can really make the details stand out and even though my example uses color the mostly black/white movie Sin city was one of the best i had seen in a while.

[SteelCitySouth]

hey Karp...Do you ever do any multi shot overlays?

[fredtoast]

Originally Posted by SteelCitySouth

hey Karp...Do you ever do any multi shot overlays?

Sounds like something you would do in creating a porn video?

[SteelCitySouth]

Originally Posted by fredtoast

Sounds like something you would do in creating a porn video?

LOL...No. Take 7 shots of the same landscape, with different levels. changing the shutter speed or f stop...then overlay all the photos.

[Karp]

Originally Posted by SteelCitySouth

hey Karp...Do you ever do any multi shot overlays?

It is something that I just started getting into, and when done right, it can really produce incredible images. Prior to now, I simply tried to shoot in favorable lighting conditions and try to nail the exposure the first go around. My post processing was very basic, I would adjust the sharpness, brightness/contrast, color saturation, and maybe apply a colored filter. Many photographers that I respect have told me that simple layers actually produce more natural looking results that using HDR (High Dynamic Range) programs.

[SteelCitySouth]

Originally Posted by Karp

It is something that I just started getting into, and when done right, it can really produce incredible images. Prior to now, I simply tried to shoot in favorable lighting conditions and try to nail the exposure the first go around. My post processing was very basic, I would adjust the sharpness, brightness/contrast, color saturation, and maybe apply a colored filter. Many photographers that I respect have told me that simple layers actually produce more natural looking results that using HDR (High Dynamic Range) programs.

Yeah..My brother and I have begun dabbleingin layers...it is pretty stunning what you can end up with if done right.

[Megalicious23]

Originally Posted by Karp

Been looking through the archieves for good candidates for b+w conversion photos and I came across this one that I took of our beloved Cincinnati skyline awhile back. I wasn't sure how it would translate, but I think it turned out OK. Of course a lot of you know that if you ever want one of these shots for your home or office, I can make that happen.

I love this! I might take you up on that print.

[Karp]

Originally Posted by Megalicious23

I love this! I might take you up on that print.

Thanks! PM me and I can give you some pricing on different sized prints.

[Karp]

Figured that I would share one more real quick. Ramsey Prong - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

[Karp]

A recent shot from the Bear Rocks area of Dolly Sods Wilderness in WV. I went up there for the sole purpose of catching the sunrise, but it was very overcast. I was about to put the camera in its case when I noticed the sun beams managing to break through the thick clouds.

[RumbleCat]

Originally Posted by Karp

Hopefully I am not becoming a bore...anyways, here is one of my favorite shots from last April's trip to the Smokies, converted to b+w.

You're making me miss the place, we lived in Sevierville for a little less that 2 years. Loved it there, awesome pictures! By chance is that from the Cade's Cove area?

[Karp]

Originally Posted by RumbleCat

You're making me miss the place, we lived in Sevierville for a little less that 2 years. Loved it there, awesome pictures! By chance is that from the Cade's Cove area?

Why yes indeed it is. Early April morning last spring. It really helps to get there bright and early for the best light. The fog laying the valley always helps to add a little drama to the scene as well.

[RumbleCat]

Originally Posted by Karp

Why yes indeed it is. Early April morning last spring. It really helps to get there bright and early for the best light. The fog laying the valley always helps to add a little drama to the scene as well.

I thought so, what a beautiful photo. The Smokies are a wonderful place to live, especially in the fall. (once you learn the "secret" ways to get around the traffic.) We were lucky enough to get to see 2 very large black bears, one with a cub, in that exact location in your stunning photograph. Traffic on the narrow circular road in Cade's Cove comes to a dead stop when a bear is spotted. That entire region is an excellent place for a photographer, and especially in the peak of fall foliage season. Very nice work!

You made my day, and prompted me and my wife to get out some photo albums and reminisce a little. +rep to you.