In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the B/W Conversion filter by exploring the different effects that are available as well as tips on how to create a duotone and spot color effect using Control Points.

To start, there are three different B/W Conversion methods to choose from in the dropdown menu. Each of these options will create a different look to your image due to the way they handle contrast within the image, the shadows and highlights, as well as in the original colors.

• B/W Conversion
• Tonal Enhancer
• Dynamic Contrast

The Filter Color slider will lighten the color from the original image and darken the complementary color. Use this slider to go through the different hues to create the look that you are after.

You can increase the strength of the method by moving the Strength slider to the right. Moving it all the way to right to 200% will maximize the effect while moving it down to the left to 0% will remove the effect from the image.

The Brightness slider will increase the overall brightness of the image when moved to the right, moving it to the left will darken the entire image.

The Contrast slider will add more or less contrast to the image. (Contrast is the difference between the lightest to the darkest tones in an image.)

The B/W Conversion Filter

Let’s take a look at a couple of different possibilities that are available in the B/W Conversion filter.

To start, we have the original image in color. By selecting the B/W Conversion filter, the color image is automatically converted to a grayscale, black and white image as seen below.

We can also create some nice effects by using Control Points to add or remove the filter’s effect from our image. Here are a couple of ways that you can create a duotone effect, or even some spot color.

Duotone Effect

To create a duotone effect, simply expand the Control Point section to reveal the Opacity slider. By decreasing or moving the Opacity slider to the left, more color will be revealed. Moving the slider all the way to 0% will remove the entire filter effect from the image. Try decreasing the effect slightly to reveal only some of the color from the original image.

Spot Color

A quick and easy way to reveal color in a particular area of your image is to use Control Points to remove the B/W Conversion effect, revealing the original color image.

Simply add a minus Control Point to the area that you want to remove the B/W filter effect from.

Tip: If the color shows up in areas outside the selected area, place a plus Control Point where you would like apply the B/W filter effect to remove any extra color.