THE MISSION
Create a punchy black and white portrait in Lightroom and Photoshop
Time needed
10 minutes
Skill level
Beginner
Kit needed
Photoshop CC
Black and white treatments and portraiture go hand in hand. But what’s the best way to strip out the colour, and what other edits can we make to enhance the monochrome image? In this tutorial, we’ll explore a few techniques you can use to create stunning black and white portraits, from the best conversion tools to essential enhancements like dodging and burning.
Converting a photo to black and white shouldn’t just be an ‘effect’, there should be a reason behind the change. Perhaps the monochrome tones enhance the subject, or emphasize the composition, or draw attention to textures and form. Or perhaps the colour is a distraction, and removing it ensures the viewer focuses on the main aspects of the photo. With portraits in particular, colour is sometimes an unnecessary addition. By stripping it away, we can draw the focus to things like the expression and shape. Besides, we’re all very accustomed to seeing people in colour. We know what colour skin tones and hair are without needing to be shown, so we don’t necessarily need them to be present in an image.
As such, a bold monochrome effect can really elevate a portrait. Here, for example, it emphasizes the strong pose, brings out the contrast in the patterned clothing, and strengthens the play of light and shade across the face.
We’ll begin with our workflow in Lightroom, then eventually head into Photoshop to finish off the portrait...
Bu hikaye PhotoPlus : The Canon Magazine dergisinin November 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye PhotoPlus : The Canon Magazine dergisinin November 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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