mono conversion C&C needed

[torque22]

Hi everyone
I just converted a pic to B+W using the channel mixer in PS CS2.

But I have a few questions.
1. When do you do a B+W conversion.
2. what are you trying to achive with the conversion that is not available to color prints.
3. what do you think of the picture.

have inbcluded orig picture too.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee112/torque2/smallcmioc.jpg


http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee112/torque2/small.jpg

[petemc]

I think it needs more contrast.

[torque22]

ok Pete, I will try and update the pic with more contrast asap

[CT]

I prefer the colour version, but it's difficult to answer your questions.

I do like mono, but I don't revere it like some people seem to. I'd probably start thinking about mono when a shot didn't work well in colour, or if it had a range of tones which would seem to lend itself to mono interpretation, but no doubt you'll get many conflicting views. ;)

[ppp]

To me its about the feeling, B&W tend to have more emotion or feeling in general of course

[petemc]

I do like mono, but I don't revere it like some people seem to. I'd probably start thinking about mono when a shot didn't work well in colour, or if it had a range of tones which would seem to lend itself to mono interpretation, but no doubt you'll get many conflicting views. ;)

I didn't see the questions but I would probably disagree entirely or at least have a polar opposite opinion. :D I'd say 75% of my work is now B&W.

1. I convert on import. My camera is set to b&w so there is never a question of "Does this look better in..." I know right at the time of shooting that its going to be b&w.

2. Some people might say that b&w removes the noise, that it gets straight to the point. Me, I just love the tones, contrasts and light.

[CT]

I didn't see the questions but I would probably disagree entirely or at least have a polar opposite opinion. :D .

Thought you might! :lol:

Good answer btw. ;)

[DiddyDave]

I find a good starter for shots of kids into B&W is 60,40,0 in Channel Mixer and +8 in Contrast - done as a batch process action - it gives a good starting place for most shots

I agree with Pete, B&W is NOT an alternative for a colour shot that didn't work well - it's a wonderful & powerful medium all of its own - and looking for & shooting for a B&W shot increases your chances of it being good

[torque22]

thanks very much for the replies.

next question...should i have left the picture in color or does B+W suit this pic?

Pete I upped the contrast, ....any better?