B/W Styler - Black & White Conversion Plugin

[Andrew B.]

B/W Styler is a new Black and White conversion plugin. The Windows version is out now, but a Mac version should follow soon. The plugin does not limit itself doing conversions. It can also simulate grain, paper grades, film types, ND filters, diffusion filters, and more. Also standard tints like selenium and sepia. Split-toning and partial toning. And more.

This might sound complicated, but the default interface (called Photography Mode) is quick and easy. There are also some other modes that offer more power and control. For example, a split B/W method that lets you treat shadows and highlights differently.

In my opinion, this one beats all the rest. The cost is $49.95.

http://www.thepluginsite.com/product...yler/index.htm

[Andrew B.]

Here are some tests I ran with B/W Styler (see attached contact sheet). The first is the original. Second is a standard Photoshop Grayscale Mode conversion. Third, is one possible interpretation using B/W Styler. It only took a few seconds to set up. The fourth one I was fooling around with the controls a lot and don't remember what I did. But it is one more example of what B/W Styler can do.

BTW, the photograph is from stock.xchng

[terrie]

This is a realy cool little app! Just might buy this...

Thanks!

Terrie

[Andrew B.]

Originally Posted by terrie

This is a realy cool little app! Just might buy this...

So you are trying the demo? Fun, isn't it?

BTW, the third image in the samples I posted is actually an electronic equivalent of a standard darkroom technique. It is often used in fine art prints to give a richer look. Except it takes about 5 seconds to do in B/W Styler. In Photography Mode, set Development to "High Contrast" and Color Tone to "Selenium." Tweak if needed.

OTOH, you can also do this using Curves. Add a curves adjustment layer. In the RGB Channel, boost contrast by setting a strong S curve. Then, go into the Green Channel and pick a spot or two in the shadow area and reduce them. Reducing them leads to less green, which is the same as adding magenta. This has to be done with a very light touch. So slight that I don't drag the green curve. I click a spot and then use the arrow keys to move it slightly.

[iamback]

Originally Posted by Andrew B.

Here are some tests I ran with B/W Styler (see attached contact sheet). The first is the original. Second is a standard Photoshop Grayscale Mode conversion. Third, is one possible interpretation using B/W Styler. It only took a few seconds to set up. The fourth one I was fooling around with the controls a lot and don't remember what I did. But it is one more example of what B/W Styler can do.

Thanks, bookmarked!

[Andrew B.]

The Mac version of B/W Styler was just released.

[fraser.crozier]

And Adobe said, let their be camera RAW 4.1. Anthing outside this pales in comparison with control of B/W. Oh, and it's free .

[Andrew B.]

What are some of the advantages RAW 4.1 has for converting from color to B&W?

[fraser.crozier]

Hi Andrew
Let's start with the ability to shft tone around suing the HSL sliders. This very powerful, and was a neat surprise to boot. Have a go at it just in this area and you will see what I am talking about....

Cheers
Fraser

[Andrew B.]

Originally Posted by fraser.crozier

Let's start with the ability to shft tone around suing the HSL sliders.

This sounds a lot like a technique that can be done in Photoshop. Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer above the photo. Set its blending mode to Color. Add a second Hue/Saturation adjustment layer above the first one. Set its saturation slider down to -100. Then go back to the first Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and open the interface. Use the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to adjust the B&W conversion. You can also use the Edit box, eye dropper and range brackets and adjust part of the conversion.