Convert colour to Black and white E5 methods

[mcrow]

Hi,

going from RAW images - and experimenting with different white balances -

have been using the method of laying an adjustment layer - levels over image -

then adding gradient map layer above that -

then going back to the levels layer and adjusting - separately the Red - Green - Blue in the level adjustment layer.

does anybody know how this stacks against the "Hidden Power" plug in for E5?

have tried it once and found the result too near the Convert to Grayscale method to my liking - soft contrasts and contrast between some colours dubious.

Note - after I tweak the individual levels I would then Convert to Grayscale as a final step - resulting in no noticeable deterioration in quality

I may have been using the plug in wrong :)

[Michel B]

The hiddenelements B&W conversion action builds an adjustment layer setup based on the R,G,B channels and a luminosity one. Unlike other B&W conversions methods, it does not act like a coloured filter with film. It uses the individual properties of each of those channels to enhance the tones: blue to enhance texture, red to soften skin, green for an overall balance. The default settings may be good in general situations and landscapes, they must be altered for portraits, for which the tool is excellent. Unlike channel mixer or hue methods, it is easy to use masks.
Depending on the subject, I'll choose the best method. For instance, I create two copies, one with hue/sat adjustment layer as a color filter plus another one with gradient map, the other with the hidden setup, and combine those to enhance texture or local contrast.

[mcrow]

Thanks Michel,

I spent last night trying to figure out what the layers meant and was happy once I realised what they based on - establishing a red, green or Blue channel and then making it either linear dodge or linear burn - so you can adjust the setting (lighten/darken) of that channel (?) by changing the slider value of either the linear dodge/burn layer. I was v impressed with it once figured what it was actually doing.

sounds like you have spent quite some time doing conversions and tweaking them - take care

[mcrow]

for anybody else been watching - have just seen a vid tutorial - the workflow steps were -
RAW Editor {
1 - Recovery slider - was used to cut some clipping at bright level of sky
2 - Black slider - used to bring up some shadows - beware of clipping
3 - Fill light - to adjust mid tones
4 - Eyedropper - to adjust white balance - seemed more sensitive than the presets - and remove color casts

IMAGE THEN OPENED IN Elements -

1 - Enhance Image - convert to Black and White
2 - Adjusted the Intensity slider to a low level
3 - Clicked the Infrared effect (was architectural landscape) in the styles section
4 - did some further clicking of the More Red and More Green buttons until suited to taste
5 - Add Levels adjustment Layer for some further tweak of contrast.

Was stressed this was a basic conversion from colour to monochrome for entire image.