I have created a customised Lightroom 4 preset that I use as a key starting point for mono / black and white conversion of X-Pro2 jpg captures. I am big fan of Silver Efex Pro but for quick conversion of jpg files I tend to stay in the confines of Lightroom.
I do prefer to shoot RAW but as the camera isn’t yet supported by Lightroom 4 I am living with the jpgs, that said they are surprisingly good.
The introductory photograph has been cropped significantly to fit with the FlixelPix webpage structure. You can view the photograph full size over on Flickr here. I haven’t quite decided which of the two platforms I prefer.
This preset really is a starting point and it depends on the image how much tweaking is needed to get the overall black and white look you need.
For portrait images you may want to adjust the amount of “clarity” to bring out the detail around the eyes for that ultra sharp detailed look or alternatively reduce the clarity for a soft focus black and white.
[Peter Lynas, NI director of Evangelical Alliance]
There is a also a slight vignette on the preset that you may wish to adjust depending on personal taste. I tend to use a little vignette to hide background detail and draw focus to a particular area of the photograph.
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2 Comments
I check out your blog everyday as I learn my X Pro 1…GREAT shots! Question: when doing your Lightroom BW conversions, what jpegs do you start with? Standard (provia) or some other film simulation?
Thanks, and keep posting the inspiring photos!
Jeff
Jeff, I am shooting JPG with Velvia turned on on the most part as ironically I love what it does to the colour. I can’t wait to be shooting RAW with Lightroom though.