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08/30/2006 11:55:04 AM · #1 |
I've read, in lots of different places, that a red filter will "improve" black and white photos.
I borrowed a friends and took some shots.
Everything is red!!!!!
But that's not really surprising is it?
Anyway, is there a special way to convert the photo to black and white in photoshop that will make the most of red filter?
or should I just convert how I normally would (using channel mixer)?
Any red filter/black and white veterans out there that would like to give some advice?
Thanks.
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08/30/2006 12:03:56 PM · #2 |
If your going to be shooting with a red filter on anyway, you should probably just set your camera to shoot B&W, then there would be no need to convert.
In Photoshop, the easiest way is to just change the mode to grayscale, and then back to RGB. |
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08/30/2006 12:04:26 PM · #3 |
Since IR filters will give the same effect as a red filter after taking the picture, you can experiment with the post-processing the same way.
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08/30/2006 12:05:56 PM · #4 |
when using a red filter on camera, shoot in b/w mode. It will darken the blues.
Try virtual photographer at default b/w then just use the red filter to see what will happen if you use a red filter on camera. It also has a green filter and a blue filter. The program is great for learning how to prejudge tones in b/w photography. |
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08/30/2006 12:14:26 PM · #5 |
FWIW, here's a possbly heretical view. Don't use the physical filter. Your goal in capturing the digital image is to gather all the image data that you can, and use it to best effect in post processing. So, capture in full color, and edit as required. You can surely replicate the effects of a red filter in post processing (by simply reducing the Blue and Green channels apppropriately), but in fact you have more flexibility than if you had used a physical filter.
For those using Photoshop, the Channel Mixer is a very powerful tool that initially can seem complicated but with some experience is incredibly useful. |
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08/30/2006 12:26:17 PM · #6 |
I agree with 'Jean Luc'. It makes sense to use the filter with film, but with digi you have so much more control in post processing, best to apply filters/effects/etc. there.
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08/30/2006 12:40:30 PM · #7 |
yep, that all makes sense.
thanks for the advice.
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08/30/2006 01:42:12 PM · #8 |
Remember that only 1/4 of the pixels on your camera are sensitive to red and remember how the sensor works (i.e. the Bayer pattern).
IMO, do the conversion in postprocessing, and play with levels or curves on each individual color |
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08/30/2006 01:44:32 PM · #9 |
| Seriously, the only filters you need when shooting digital are those that cannot be easily duplicated in PS, like Polarizers or ND filters. |
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08/30/2006 10:33:32 PM · #10 |
| Oh. I did mean to say use a color photo in vp to see the differences. Didn't make myself clear. But it is a facinating program to experiment with getting the right tones and being able to visualize what the picture will look like, as it is being taken, once it is converted. |
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