Take or choose from library 2 images that you think would best suit the following results.
- A strong increase in contrast that will include clipping (loss of detail) in at least the shadow areas. A pronounced S curve is the standard method.
- Low key or high key treatment in which the entire brightness range is shifted down or up the scale. Curves or levels are equally useful in creating this effect.After sitting for some time going through various images in my library and trying black and white conversions on them, this was definately harder than I initally imagined. Not every scene is suited to black and white photography. Although times have changed so much considering in the early to mid 1900s black and white was all they had.
Here are the 2 images that I have choosen for this exercise:
Original image
London
An open top bus tour allowed for this photo of the great architechure that London has to offer, it was late evening just before sunset this image was taken, the clouds have a slight pink tinge to them and I think the composition works well.
Pronounced S curve
I think this image looks very false with the pronounced S curve and harsh shadows and bleached sky, I may have over exagerated the 'S' but that was the aim of the exercise so stretch your imagination.
Black and white
Black and white version works well, although it looks a little flat in areas
Black and white with pronounced S curve
I quite like this version of the black and white image as it looks more interesting the shapes stand out well against the skyline.
Original Image
Spinnaker Tower - Southsea (Taken from Spice Island)
Pronounced S curve
I really dont like this version with the pronounced S curve, it is too over produced for me and extremely false looking
Black and white
Black and white is ok here although still a little boring with no great detail in the sky area, perhaps a few thick clouds would have helped this image
Black and white with pronounced S curve
Not sure why but I really like this image. I think it makes Spinnaker Tower stand out really clearly.
Black and white images can definately be processed more than colour and to more extent without the lose of the detail.
A vital exercise in the fact that it took several attempts to find suitable images that could be used and also that bright vibrant colours and not the best for black and white conversion, its all about tones and textures.