How to Produce Better Black and White Photo Conversions

Many people make a common mistake when converting a photo to black and white. This video explains how to avoid this and produce better black-and-white conversions.

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[Jonem]

I can't thank you enough for publishing this wonderful, clear video. In less than 15 minutes, using your method, I produced an image that has been eluding me for two months!

[mattbarry]

This is brilliant, Robin. I’ve seen hundreds of videos on black and white conversions and your technique is just amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[paulknight]

Another excellent tip Robin. Thank you so much for sharing this technique and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[ianbrowne]

So well explained and more new ideas for myself to try like levels/curses colour channels .
I feel the real important aspect shown was how it's best to start with a well edited colour image first, and even to overcook it a little before going to B+W
I have always thought, even in the darkroom that it's harder to make a good Black and white photo as there are far more varying possible "good" photos ; and that's before toning is considered .
I am getting lots of ideas to explore from your Affinity videos ; thank you

Very elegant and easy to use method! At the top I added a Brigtness and Contrast adjustment, and a Levels adjustment for setting the Black and White point. My test photo needed that. Very pleased with the result I got editing for just a few minutes :) Thanks Robin for another great tutorial!

[lgude]

Really helpful. I use SilverEfex for B&W, but this shows me how to involve the original colours in Affinity. Thanks so much!

[toomuchkit]

Another great and informative vid, many thanks. Hope Affinity recognise your efforts

[jorghahn]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful. Did you also you a gradient mask on the second BW conversion layer?

[TheHudsonValleyWanderer]

Would love to see a video of you doing this in photo shop. I know you said its similar but I'm still a little lost. Love the content. 👍

[photonsonpixels]

Thanks for your tutorial Robin. I shall attempt this with Photoshop, but I am not sure where the second BW layer should go; I assume is should go below the masked layer, but I will explore this fully. Thank you!

[alangauld]

I've used multiple B&W layers before but never considered using the levels(or curves) to modify the colours of the original. Nice tip. Although normally I'd just go into Silver Efex and use some control points! But the levels/curves idea might work there too, I must try it out...

[ChrisIrelandNJ]

What’s the best black and white photo editor for iPad?

[stephentopp]

Great explanation I just need to listen faster now 😊

[RishiRajKoul]

CAN I ACCESS INDIVIDUAL COLOR CHANNELS IN RAW. IT WOULD BE GOOD TO HAVE THAT. OR AM I MISTAKEN?

[lloydstuartm.d.]

Great video, but Luminar Neo is just so much easier to use. I can never get all these layers and masks straight in my head. I try to use both programs but find Affinity just so hard to understand. Thanks for your great videos Robin.

[barryashenhurst]

A question Robin: When you convert from colour to black and white you lose half your file's resolution. Is there away to avoid this penalty?

[johnblue]

i can't undestand this. I don't believe you can do these techniques in Photoshop. (Separate mask layers, etc.)

[CloudStrife]

You missed one important thing about conversion. It is important for people to understand the foundations. Make a video talking about the black and white formula.