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07/18/2007 09:25:02 AM · #1 |
What is the conventional wisdom regarding shooting for B&W?
I am starting a series of excercises focused solely on composition, which is best done in b&w. I am aware that there are various methods in PS for B&W conversion. What are the pros and cons of using Monochrome within camera (Canon 5D) versus PS? I have heard that Monochrome within the 5D is pretty good.
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07/18/2007 09:31:07 AM · #2 |
personal taste ... if you like your camera's version ... go with it, less post processing that way
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07/18/2007 09:33:05 AM · #3 |
| I would never shoot black and white in camera. First off, you do that, you'll end up processing a jpeg image. Can't shoot raw and black and white at the same time, at least not in my camera. Second off, if you have cs3 or lightroom you get amazing raw features that allow "mix" the black and white image in many different true colour channels (sort of like channel mixer but more channels and it only alters that particular colour.) This option is also available in cs3 using a jpeg or tiff, but you still need a colour image to start with. |
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07/18/2007 09:35:21 AM · #4 |
What a coincidence! I just breezed through and article online at Outdoor Photographer's website titled As Simple As Black And White
Shoot in B&W or convert in Photoshop? That is the question...
You'll find a lot of useful info on your subject there. |
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07/18/2007 10:02:52 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
I would never shoot black and white in camera. First off, you do that, you'll end up processing a jpeg image. Can't shoot raw and black and white at the same time, at least not in my camera. Second off, if you have cs3 or lightroom you get amazing raw features that allow "mix" the black and white image in many different true colour channels (sort of like channel mixer but more channels and it only alters that particular colour.) This option is also available in cs3 using a jpeg or tiff, but you still need a colour image to start with. |
I do have CS3 and your point about the ability to mix the channels is very good. I did not realize that in camera monochrome was jpeg only. I will have to check my camera. I shoot RAW only. |
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07/18/2007 10:04:00 AM · #6 |
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07/18/2007 10:26:57 AM · #7 |
| Definitely shoot in colour and convert in PP using the Channel Mixer, as this enables you to alter the look of the image dramatically by altering the mix. For example there may be an element in the Red channel that is distracting and using the mixer, it is possible to de-emphasise it and make it blend in without spot editing the image. This is a valid technique even in Basic Editing. |
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07/18/2007 06:33:03 PM · #8 |
You can take a color image from the camera, and convert it to B&W in post, but you can't go the other way. I've always erred on the side of too much information rather than too little.
Also, chances are, your camera's B&W conversion process is rather simple (desaturate), whereas most PP software, especially the latest versions of Photoshop provide some outstanding conversion tools, including a simple desaturate, if that's to your liking. I like the channel mixer personally.
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07/18/2007 06:36:26 PM · #9 |
Same trade-off as usual. More work if you do it in photoshop, less choice if you do it in camera.
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07/18/2007 06:37:19 PM · #10 |
| I know this is slightly off topic, but is there a way to stop Lightroom changing all the shots i shoot b/w in camera to colour again when i import them? |
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07/18/2007 06:44:13 PM · #11 |
| It doesn't honor the B&W flag so the short answer is no. |
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07/18/2007 06:48:48 PM · #12 |
| Personally, I've had some wonderful luck shooting B&W in camera. Lots of choices when shooting (incamera filters, etc.) If you don't need the "backup" of color...you might really like the hassle free shooting...similar to B&W film. My 2ยข. :P |
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