Today I'll show you a very simple technique to convert color images into a realistic looking black and white photograph. Forget about "convert to grayscale" or "desaturate". The channel mixer offers much more control over the tonal range and one can simulate the look of a specific film. The values shown mimic Kodak Tri-X pretty accurately.
I simply saved the values in a channel mixer file and load it every time I need it. No way I can manage to remember phone numbers. download the channel mixer file (.zip) here.
These values are a good starting point, play around with different values for a different look.
In the second step, you'll need to adjust the contrast curve as shown here for a good looking b/w photo.
Download curve files that mimic Tri-X 400, Tri-X pushed to 800 and Tri-X pushed to 1600.
These curves are a good starting point, but the image still needs some adjustments.
For an even more realistic "film like look" overlay some real film grain in a separate layer. buy a 12.1 MP full frame film grain file for $3.49
Comments (15)
Hello Markus,
I really enjoyed your blog, it's excellent. Your tutorials are very good and easy to understand. I have one question, though, how do you produce real film grain? Do you mean reproducing a blank processed negative? Could you possibly send me an example? Thanks in advance.
Posted by Ojorojo | September 18, 2006 4:52 PM
Posted on September 18, 2006 16:52
Thank you, Markus
A big thanks because this is one of the best recipes out there at all. And thanks for not being a greedy b@stard like some other folks who prefer to keep their recipes to themselves to create that unique "look". Seen them all too many.
You are, sir, a gentleman and a scholar! Cheers
Posted by Basil | October 10, 2006 9:36 AM
Posted on October 10, 2006 09:36
howdy. I was just wondering where I could find some real film grain texture on the web; I'm looking all over and having a real rough time of it. Plus I haven't had a decent film scanner for more than a year so doing it myself is nearly out of the question... =/
Posted by B | October 13, 2006 7:19 PM
Posted on October 13, 2006 19:19
Hi,
Please can you tell me where are the downloads supposed to go once I've got them? I us PS on a PC.
Thanks
Paul
Posted by Paul Hodgson | July 23, 2007 12:04 PM
Posted on July 23, 2007 12:04
Thanks for your project. I like this site. KEEP IT UP..i
Posted by lhuv | August 29, 2008 2:37 PM
Posted on August 29, 2008 14:37
Thank for making this valuable information available to the public.o
Posted by john | September 11, 2008 4:15 AM
Posted on September 11, 2008 04:15
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Posted by Rosina | September 11, 2008 11:22 PM
Posted on September 11, 2008 23:22
Thanks for your project. I like this site. KEEP IT UP../
Posted by Martin | September 13, 2008 10:27 PM
Posted on September 13, 2008 22:27
Sentimental and nostalgic. Great.
Posted by Robert | September 15, 2008 4:31 PM
Posted on September 15, 2008 16:31
Very good site! I like it! Thanks!u
Posted by Melissa | September 16, 2008 2:57 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 14:57
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Posted by Dan | September 16, 2008 9:57 PM
Posted on September 16, 2008 21:57
Wow!!! Good job. Could I take some of yours triks to build my own site?o
Posted by Vince | October 14, 2008 8:08 AM
Posted on October 14, 2008 08:08
Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks!!
Posted by Hannes | November 13, 2008 7:01 PM
Posted on November 13, 2008 19:01
This site is really superb!!! Thank you for you work! Good LuckT
Posted by Kathy | November 16, 2008 8:31 PM
Posted on November 16, 2008 20:31
Thanks so very much for taking your time to create this very useful and informative site. I have learned a lot from your site. Thanks!!
Posted by Ron | December 7, 2008 6:16 PM
Posted on December 7, 2008 18:16