Grayscale is a photo that is made up of varying tones of black and white. Grayscale is basically black and white photos. These images are also monochromatic, which means there is only one (mono) colour (chrome) in the image. Most people have some sort of computer imaging software and will tweak their photos by fixing the contrast, colour levels, hue, tint, saturation, and will also tweak the dark and light shadows. In contrast, you can also put colour into original old black and white photos with these software products. Click to enlarge all photos.
Some of you may have previously seen the following photo on my blog. However, see what you think of the photo when I transform it into grayscale. What are your thoughts? 
I think that the simple act of turning the photo into black and white, or
grayscale, makes the photo look more like it was taken in the 40s or 50s instead of in 2006. Also, you notice the shadows and the men instead of being distracted by the colours they're wearing.
Here are a few more photos that I converted into
grayscale:
What did you notice about my choice of photos to convert to
grayscale? If you thought "
all the photos are of historic places or things," you would be correct. The old shipbuilding warehouse in the village of Steveston, the railway station and tracks in Fort Langley, the old 1940s luggage, the World War 2 cannon in England, and the historic church all look even better in
grayscale. Not everything works in
grayscale, although you might have noticed that lots of young couples are getting engagement or wedding photos done in
grayscale.
Here's one more photo to consider. The first has the shadows lightened to the maximum, the second has the shadows darkened to the maximum, and the final photo is my preference with a midtone contrast. It's all in how you prefer your photos.
This week, I encourage you all the experiment with your photo software! Try converting some of your photos to
grayscale and see what you think about it.
Thanks as usual go to Mrs. Nesbitt for her
gargantuan effort to keep ABC Wednesday alive and
growing! Her
gallant gang of
gorgeous and
good-natured teammates will visit all participants and let them know how much we appreciate their contributions. Some of us are
goofy, some are
gushy, some are
grouchy but we are all
gleefully generous in our
glowing praises! You will all receive a
gloriously great grade just for joining in!
Grayscale is a photo that is made up of varying tones of black and white. Grayscale is basically black and white photos. These images are also monochromatic, which means there is only one (mono) colour (chrome) in the image. Most people have some sort of computer imaging software and will tweak their photos by fixing the contrast, colour levels, hue, tint, saturation, and will also tweak the dark and light shadows. In contrast, you can also put colour into original old black and white photos with these software products. Click to enlarge all photos.
36 comments:
When I took a photography class we did black and white developing. I really enjoyed it. It seemed like painting with different exposures. That was way before digital cameras. Since then, I've never experimented with black and white. Your post made me think I should try. - Margy
I have mixed feelings about digitally converting into B&W, although I must say, that wonderful photo of the old men reading, does look absolutely perfect, and much more appealing without the colour. Being old, I shot a lot of film in black in white - and I've never been able to achieve the same quality of tone and depth from my digital shots. It's all moot, anyway - since, like most everyone, I've long since quit using film!
That shot of the men is lovely in grayscale. Very 50s.
Are you okay, leslie? Not seen you around for a bit. x
Love greycale shots! And the suitcases and the cannon shots are woderful!
But for landscapes I prefer color;o)
Thanks for sharing your wonderful shots;o)
****
Have a fabulous week****
Super post. I loved the men in black and white. I found the color distracting - the black and white allowed me to focus more on the men and their relationship to each other and to space. I also loved the luggage.
I eagerly await next week!
B&W seems not so much old-fashioned as timeless. we have some B&W wedding pictures, from 1999. Better than the color pics!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
These are all great examples of grayscale. The one you posted in color and then converted to grayscale is a great shot and I like it both ways. That said, I think the grayscale version is my favorite. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team
Hi Leslie! You are becoming more and more an expert in photography! The first photos I took of my eldest child were in black and white and they were better than the coloured ones that I took later.
Have a great day tomorrow!
Wil, ABC Wednesday Team.
I think because of when I was young all the pictures were B&W, so now I prefer color. My Granddaughter does some of her pictures of the family in B&W, but I still prefer the color version of the same picture.
Gigi Ann on behalf of ABC Team.
i've always loved monochrome. it evokes a certain mood. i love portraits in monochrome, it highlights the character of a face.
Love the power of black and white. It definitely puts an emphasis on the subject as in your picture of the seated men.
I do forget about being able to change my photos into black and white. I must try that on a few.
This is something that I would love to try. I have never done this one yet. I still have to explore the possibilities of my camera. Love the selection of G's at the end.
Gold and Green
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team.
Thanks, Leslie! Interesting post. I do like some photos in B&W but often prefer colour.
As far what they had in common, I would have said that they all had a wonderful tonal range! Another great photo 'lesson' handled and presented very well!
I was wondering what photographic lesson you would have for us this week, Leslie, and I'm so glad to learn something about grayscale. I think I am more partial to the medium. Love those sweet old men in grey!
Love your pics I think there is something differant in a good way about B/W photos I love them.My post this week is one for you Leslie.lol love Jill xx
Dear Leslie,
You are such a talent!! Would love for you to take my pic (LOL). I am not very good with a camera but admire those that can really use it. Keep up the good work my dear friend.
I will take some pics of cottage and eail them to you xxx
Thanks, Jill. I look forward to seeing them.
Great info!
It's fun to see the transformation from "plain jane" to "drama" when you experiment with grayscale.
I learned a new meaning to 'grayscale.' The men look like they're from World War II. The trees - off a page from a 1920s book. Fascinating. This is a lot more fun than eating grade inflation everyday. Thanks for your thoughts on my post.
I think seeing things in monochrome emphasises the shapes. Brilliant colour often dazzles. Lovely pictures and an interesting 'G' word.
A black and white picture sometimes allows the scene to tell its deeper story. Beautiful as color is, it can distract from subject matter and hide where shadow, light and shades of gray play.
Grayscale is a great effect. I also like to then experiment with coloured tints.
You've inspired me - I've never played around with grayscale at all. I love your photos!
cool, great shots in grayscale...
Its great for accentuating an object, and fun to experiment, as you have shown it can change a view.
Love your second greyscale pic! It gives so much character to the scene of the men.
Yea for Grayscale! I love, Love, LOVE black and white shots...however we achieve them!
Decisions, decisions...sometimes I wonder if what I am seeing is what others are seeing. I do sometimes tweak my photos in brighten or darken and in contrast. I also use sharpen since I have hand shaking. I would rather make the adjustments on my computer than on my camera, because so many of my photos are spur of the moment and I don't want to spend the time fiddling with the camera. I think that's why I'm an artist rather than a photographer.
Thank you Leslie! I also hope for a miracle. For the queen it is devastating . She has lost her parents and her husband during the last ten years and now probably her son.
Some images just look better in gray.
grey scale or colourful, they pretty much change the entire atmosphere. Sure a good great take on the theme.
Hi Leslie, awesome post. I have been becoming more and more interested in B&W images. Your comments are so right. I think there are some images where grayscale brings out more and there are others where the colors will bring out more. Contributing to that is what we as photographers want to convey and how we interpret the images. I love the photos you converted to Grayscale because they evoke an historical period influence. On your last example I like your midtone the best.
Thanks so much for sharing this technique with us. Have a great weekend.
Wow! I've been using the "greyscale" option on my scanner for ages without knowing what it meant! Thank you for solving the mystery.
nice media technique. could be perfect for a pen and ink art. Hope you could visit My ABC Wednesday entry. Thanks!
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