Nik Silver Efex 2

[photoman]

I took the same image and did two conversions for additional comparison.

Black and White Presets- Green Filter

Channel Mixer Preset: Black and White with Yellow Filter

 

[ywen]

Yeah Exposure 2 allows the same level of adjustment, as well as extensive grain adjustment... In my shot, I took the preset values and played around with the Contrast, Shadow, Mid, Highlight, and reduced the grain size.

 

[Lost Canadian]

I'm playing with Exposure 3 right now. My initial thoughts are it's a fundamentally different program from Silver Efex. Silver Efex is strictly a dedicated monochrome converter that takes a somewhat unique approach to monochrome conversion and offers very fine control over tone, contrast, brightness, and image structure. The selective U-point controls also add and offer a greater degree of precision, allowing the user to apply and selectively adjust certain parts of the image independent of the rest of the image. This is, in my opinion, the best tool for monochrome digital shooters who are looking for the finest amount of control and quality with their black and white conversions. It's certainly the best I've used to date.

Conversly, Exposure 3 offers the user a lot more in terms of flexability and creative looks. Working in both colour and monochrome it has a virtual mountain of different presets and simulated film types that provides the user with endless creative options, and what I would say is a more modest, typical "curves" approach to tone, brightness, and contrast adjustments. If I was a wedding and/or event photographer Exposure 3 would be an awesome tool to have. Being able to simulate and try out so many different looks quickly, and then fine tuning them to taste, is pretty cool.

 

[taco2go]

A sliver of silver on some older shots made to look older.
That last one is what I envisioned on plates if I did 'em.

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Wow, these are some outstanding B&W images being posted.

Currently I'm loving the B&W converter in CS5 Camera RAW

If you havent tried it yet, I'd recommend you sample the Topaz Labs software. They have some top notch software that you can download for free for a 30 day trial. I'd say its a gurantee that after using it for 30 days, you'll agree its worth every cent. No I dont work for them or get any sort of kickbacks, it's just good stuff

I also agree with Michael that taking a B&W class will really help you understand what a good B&W image should look like.

 

[MatthewThompson]

Been dabbling in BW again myself lately.

 

[photoman]

Wow- some really nice b&w images being put up. Looks like a a dedicated b&w thread would be a good idea. Nice work everyone!

 

[Lost Canadian]

Just read a tweet by PDN saying they have reviewed Silver Efex 2. Their opinion was summed up as such, "Loved it. Nik's new version of Silver Efex Pro is the best black-and-white conversion software on the market."

The review can be found here.

 

[taco2go]

Now with U point Control and Selective Colorization

 

[Every Miles A Memory]

Sweet Photo Joash! Anyone using the new B&W Converter for Topaz Labs? I'm debating about snagging it

 

[john101477]

Some amazing images here. I dont do much in monotone but every once in a while. took this the other day and spent some time on it today since the weather is kicking my butt

 

[taco2go]

Suggestions of winter- i.e. more time dabbling with Nik Silver.


Simulating film grain on a couple of pics from this morning
Agfa APX 400

Fuji Neopan 100

 

[HEDLUX]

Ditto, I good print on the right fiber paper is very hard to beat...

My suggestion if you really REALLY want to learn how to make good B&W digital conversions is to take a class in B&W darkroom photography. Either that or go to as many museums/exhibits as you can and become very familiar with what a good gelatin silver print looks like.

Starting to think in monochrome is a good place, but knowing what you are truly visualizing and striving for in the end will help even more.