For the right photo, converting the image to Black and White can bring the image to life. Suitable images for converting to black and white are those which are high in contrast; removing the colour from the image can bring out the detail and make the photo more dramatic.

There are many different techniques for producing black and white images. The following method is very simple and produces good results with the right photo.

Method:
Step 1: Select the image to convert

This image is ideal for converting to black and white as there is a lot of contrast in the detail of the bike and rider.

Step 2: Desaturate the image (go to 'Image', then 'Adjustments' and click on 'Desaturate' Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+U)

Step 3: Improving the image: As you can see, after Step 2 the image does not look that great. To improve the image you need to increase the Contrast and reduce the Brightness (see PHOTOSHOP FOR BEGINNERS - TUTORIALS FOR ENHANCING TRAVEL PHOTOS). Play around with these controls until you think the image looks best.

Final Image



This is the final image. In addition to adjusting the brightness and contrast, I cropped the photo, added a screen layer to the person's face to make it brighter and added a dark border to make the subject stand out. Tutorials on how to apply these modifcations can be found at PHOTOSHOP FOR BEGINNERS - TUTORIALS FOR ENHANCING TRAVEL PHOTOS

The basic steps for Improving Night Shots can be found in the following tutorial: PHOTOSHOP FOR BEGINNERS - TUTORIALS FOR ENHANCING TRAVEL PHOTOS.

In some cases, producing good nightime images requires more detailed work to improve certain areas of the photo. This is best illustrated with an example.

The lefthand image is the original photograph and the one on the right is the modified image. In addition to low contrast and graininess, the original photograph contains foreground light that gives the image an orange hue and to the left and bottom right of the photo the surrounding street lights have produced unwanted light flares.



The following techniques were used to improve the image:

Step 1: Apply Colour Correction
Step 2: Adjust Brightness and Contrast
Step 3: Sharpen the image
Step 4: Use the 'Despeckle' filter to reduce graniness
Step 5: Use the 'Marquee Tool' to select the sky around the buildings and 'Feather' the edge of the selection by 3 pixels.
Step 6: Reduce the Saturation, Contrast and Brightness of the selected area to remove the orange tint and then reapply the 'Despeckle filter.
Step 7: To remove the effect of the street lights over the building select the effected area using the 'Marquee Tool' and 'Feather' the selection by about 30 pixels. Then reduce the Saturation, increase Contrast and reduce Brightness.

Local Farmers and Suspension Bridge
Kontum Province, Central Highlands, Vietnam

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