ESSENTIAL TRICKS
O
n the previous pages we demonstrated how to
create mono conversions quickly. Here we’ll show
you a powerful technique that enables you to
lighten or darken specific greyscale tones to help
particular features stand out more effectively in the black-
and-white version of your photo. Traditional black-and-
white film photographers could alter tones in a scene by
placing coloured filters over the lens. A red filter would
darken the greyscale tones of a blue sky and make clouds
stand out, for example. We can produce similar selective
greyscale tone adjustments using the following techniques...Take control of tones
Create more effective monochrome images using
the Convert to Black and White feature
4
Adjust the contrast
You could drag the R, G, and B sliders manually, but
you risk over-exposing highlights and under-exposing
shadows if the numbers don’t add up to 100. You can fine-
tune the look by dragging the Contrast slider. Here a value of
+16 helps the lighter vegetation stand out more.3
Use the Vivid Landscape style
Click the Vivid Landscape style. The Red, Green and
Blue sliders change to a value of R:90, G:10 and B:0.
The combined value of these channels needs to add up to 100
to avoid blowing out highlights or clipping shadows. The blue
sky looks darker, making the lighter landscape stand out.2
Add up the numbers
The preset styles adjust the intensity of the red, green
and blue channels to lighten or darken tones. If you
move the cursor over the mono preview you’ll see the
settings that the Scenic Landscape style uses for each channel- R:60, G:28, B:12. These numbers add up to 100.
1
Convert to black and white
Open ty_elements12.jpg. Go to Enhance>Convert to
Black and White. You’ll see a handy before-and-after
preview of your monochrome conversion. By default it
uses a Scenic landscape style, which gives blue skies
a dramatic dark tone.BEFORE