How to Convert an Image to Black and White
photo by IanChrisGraham via iStock
Sometimes the photos you take simply have more impact as a black and white photo.
Perhaps the photograph is rich with contrast. Maybe there’s lots of textures or patterns. Or there might be interesting lines or shapes in the shot that could be accentuated in a black and white photo.
There are many different ways in which you can convert a color image to a black and white one. But in this tutorial, we’ll explore how to convert an image to black and white using Exposure by Alien Skin Software.
The video above provides a quick step-by-step process for creating black and white images.
Below I’ve outlined each step for easy reference.
Let’s get started!
Convert an Image to Black and White Step 1: Prepare the Color Image
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
The first step in learning how to make a black and white photo is to prepare the original color photo for conversion.
This preparation process should involve basic edits like correcting color casts, getting the exposure just right, and boosting contrast, as that will enhance the appeal of the black and white shot. These tools can be accessed in the Basic tool panel, as shown above.
Likewise, it’s important to reduce any noise that’s present in the color photo, unless you want that grainy look for the black and white image you’ll create.
Naturally, doing these kinds of edits to a color photo is best accomplished if you shoot in RAW format.
RAW files retain all the unprocessed data collected by the camera’s sensor, so there is far more data with which to work in post-processing than you get with a JPEG.
Additionally, RAW files allow you to process images without changing the source file and without losing image quality, neither of which is true for JPEGs. So, if you want the best results, shoot in RAW!
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
When working on the original color photo, be sure to consult the histogram in Exposure (shown above), that way you can see if the adjustments you’re making are clipping the highlights or shadows.
In this sample, the image could use a little more brightness.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
As you can see above, dragging the Exposure slider to the right brightens the shot. Adding a little contrast further helps prepare this image for conversion to black and white.
Learn More:
Convert an Image to Black and White Step 2: The Black and White Conversion
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
The second step in the process is to initiate the black and white conversion.
As you can see above, this is a simple task of selecting the Black & White option in the Basic panel. Once you do so, Exposure converts the image for you.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
The Black & White setting applies the default color settings to the shot, the result of which is an image with a good base that’s ideal for black and white conversion.
From here, it’s a matter of fine-tuning the image.
Quick Tip: Exposure also has a number of black and white presets you can use to make even faster black and white conversions. Learn more about these presets here.
Convert an Image to Black and White Step 3: Make Fine Adjustments to Colors
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
In this sample, the Clarity tool helps bring out the details in the shot, particularly in the rocky areas in the foreground.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
As mentioned before, the default color settings are applied to the black and white image. You can access these settings in the Color Panel, where you can adjust the brightness of each color to improve the contrast of the shot.
Alternatively, you can use the color presets in Exposure to change the look of the shot depending on which color preset you use - red, blue, green, and so on.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
It’s also beneficial to use the Targeted Adjustment Tool (highlighted above) to brighten or darken specific colors in the shot.
You simply click on an area of the image to select a color, and then drag the mouse up to brighten that color throughout the shot or drag the mouse down to darken it.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
In this example, the mountaintop, which has strong orange and yellow tones, was selected.
By dragging the mouse upward, these two colors are boosted throughout the shot. Notice the difference in positioning on the orange and yellow color sliders in the image above from the image previous to that.
Learn More:
Convert an Image to Black and White Step 4: Make Tone Adjustments, Add a Vignette, and Sharpen
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
Using the Tone Curve Panel (shown above), you can make pinpoint changes to the shadows, midtones, highlights, and overall contrast of the image.
By increasing the shadows, for example, and decreasing the midtones, you can enhance contrast that will make the image a more appealing black and white photo.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
You can also add a vignette - a slightly darkened area around the perimeter of the shot - to increase tonal differences and help draw the viewer’s eyes toward the center of the photo.
Lastly, you can sharpen the photo to make sure the image is as crisp as possible.
In the Focus Panel (shown above), apply the Low Radius preset to add a moderate amount of sharpening.
It’s important to not go overboard with sharpening - less really is more, otherwise the image will look harsh and overedited.
YouTube Screenshot/Alien Skin Software
And that’s it! This basic workflow for how to make a black and white photo will get you positive results each time.
And, as the video at the beginning of this article demonstrates, it doesn’t take but a few minutes to work through the conversion process in this manner.
Effective and fast - what more can you ask for?!
If you haven’t tried Exposure yet, pick up a free 30-Day trial to give it a test drive and see how it can help you improve your post-processing workflow.
