Comments on: Photoshop Tutorial: Black and White the Old Fashioned Way!

By: Jessica Nip

Jessica Nip — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:52:11 +0000

Thanks for the tutorial. I’m always looking for new ways to do BW conversions and this one looks like a keeper! I’m going to try it right now!

By: What My Two-Year-Old Taught Me about Lightroom 3 | Becoming Mom – Mommy Blog and Photography

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:21:46 +0000

[...] So, why is this exciting? Well, I can’t say that a quick desaturation is the BEST method of showing/toggling B&W, but if you remember from my post about using LR3 in my in person ordering sessions, sometimes clients will ask to see an image in B&W. Even though this isn’t as good as a “real” black and white conversion, being able to just press the “V” key to show them an approximation of B&W is a nice, quick little time saving trick to have up you sleeve. If they express an interest in it, then you can take the time to do a real conversion. [...]

By: ariana

ariana — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:17:30 +0000

Hi D., I’m so glad you find them useful! Yes, that backdrop is fabric. I think it is about 3 yards or so, but you can still get away with 2 or so. I just got extra because it was a remnant and also if I ever get a proper backdrop stand (rather than drape fabric over his crib!) I would want more if we used it with say an adult standing up. Hope that helps!

By: d.

d. — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:40:09 +0000

I love the tutorials and am learning so much. Thaks for taking the time to do them! Random question — do you use fabric for your backdrops and if so, how much do you need?

By: ariana

ariana — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:54:24 +0000

Christina,
Graininess comes from using a high ISO, which the camera will automatically use when there is low light and no flash. The BEST thing you can do to improve your indoor picture quality is shoot where there is the most possible light. Usually by a window, sliding glass door etc.

I always use the IA setting (intelligent auto) with the flash set to off.

Hope that helps!

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 22:53:09 +0000

I just had a baby boy about a week ago and I’ve been following your blog for several months. I want to get some good pictures of him but only have a point and shoot camera. I have a panasonic lumix, which I think you mentioned in a previous post that you also have. I am wondering if you have any suggestions for how to get good, clear indoor pictures with this camera. All of my pictures seem to turn out too dark or grainy. I’ve tried experimenting with different settings but so far I haven’t had much success.

By: kari

kari — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:24:59 +0000

todays was really GREAT! and i am impressed that you can use the word “luminosity” in a sentence ;) have a fun weekend now that your little family is all back together!

By: lelu

lelu — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:45:09 +0000

Jasper is such a handsome baby! I don’t have a great camera yet so haven’t really been learning from your photshop posts but Love all of the pictures of your sweet baby. You’re so talented!

By: ariana

ariana — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:09:35 +0000

Angie, thanks for letting me know you like them! I don’t get many comments when I post them so I always wonder..

By: Angie

Angie — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:46:39 +0000

THANK YOU! I love these tutorials! Keep them coming. I bought a book on photoshop for dummies and it hasn’t taught me half the stuff you have. I look foward every Friday to these tutorials. I knew there was another way to black and white that looked better than a regular conversion. Thank you!