Image>Mode for black & white images

[ME100FINN]

I have read several threads on black and white conversion. I'd like to know what Image>Mode is selected for the image. Which one produces the best range of colors? Grayscale? Indexed? RGB? I suppose the final print will be determined by the printer too. But what color space is attached to the print for your use?

I just created this image using the OptitekVerve plug-in.
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/gallery/view_img.php?id=6442

As for more on the actual conversion -- I wanted to use the above image and print black and white. I am just curious what color space would render the best print.

I have taken the above sepia image and tried the following conversions. The one with the * is the one I like the best for a straight-forward b/w image:

* Enhance>Adjust Color>Remove Color (what does this actually DO??)
- Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer: Red pulled all the way left, lightness pulled all the way right
(nice picture, with a bit of tan yet in it)
- Image>Mode>Grayscale (has to be last step - lose editing options)

Oh - my hubby surprised me with the HP8750 printer!! It has the grayphoto ink. I havent opened the box yet. I am anxious to see what b&w prints it does. I will have to read up on that manual too!

[ME100FINN]

ok-I realize this is a further discussion of conversion. I just read http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/B&W/Index.html and it was more helpful. I think I like adjustment layer better now. I also forgot about Grant's Tools for PSE4 - it has channels (RGB). I tried them each and it appears to remove those colors. Red was washed out though.

I suppose my original thought was...if PSE is managing my printing, I should tell the printer to either use all colors OR only grayscale to print b&w (by menas of the color space attached). Is this still a valid question?

[GaryK]

Beatrice

Good question. I don't print in b/w and have never considered whether or not the colour space would make a difference.

The picture in your gallery (lovely photos by the way :) ) would still need to be printed in colour ..there is a slight sepia cast to it.

This may end up being one of those try it out things.. lots of variables to consider.

[ME100FINN]

Thanks-glad you like the pics Gary. I was kinda hoping I wouldnt have to go through a trial and error thing again LOL. I am looking at my printer options. I have to narrow down whether I want PSE to control the color management or the printer. So far I have had PSE controlling color on my Canon--if I continue that, then the color space will play a part in the printing. The HP printer has a selection for specificially printing using a gray photo cartridge--so I may allow the printer to manage color for those images and see what happens. I realize the sepia tone is still a "color" photo. I want to make it a b/w image too.