B&W Conversions - Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

[Jeff D. Welker]

I put this together for another website and thought some on AzAP might find it interesting.

Below are a series of screen shots and explanations as to what I'm doing in Silver Efex Pro 2. First, the standard caveat - I don't have any affiliation with Nik software other than I gave them a bunch of my money for their software and I do not represent myself as any type of expert with b&w conversions. With the formalities aside, here we go.....

#1 - I start in LR3 and make a few general tweaks to achieve a nice middle of the road histogram. Two specific moves I make at this point is to "zero" the Amount of Sharpening. I prefer to perform any sharpening in CS5 (more on that later) and make the necessary lens correction.



#2 - In then open the image from LR3 into CS5 via the normal method. At this point I perform noise reduction and capture sharpening.

#3 - I then open the image from CS5 into Silver Efex Pro 2. The first thing I do is pick one of Nik's presents as a starting point. For this image, I choose "Structure (Harsh)".



#4 - My next step is to perform what Nik refers to as "Global Adjustments". To my way of thinking, b&w conversions involve the management of contrast and tonal ranges. When making these "Global Adjustments" I'm primarily focused on the main point of interest in the image (i.e. the Harrier). I move the individual sliders while watching the Harrier and see what suits my vision for the image.



#5 - Next I make what Nik refers to as "Selective Adjustments". Using Nik's "Control Point" technology, I can quickly make very specific adjustments to large or minute areas of the image. It is the same as using layer masks in CS5; except about ten times faster/easier. At this step I am trying to emphasize the detail and tonal range in the Harrier and to create visual separation with the background. The Control Points can become addictive. As you can see with this image, I've used 42 separate Control Points.



#6 - Next I select the color filter I believe gives me the best image. It is very similar to using color filters with b&w film. The difference is that Nik gives you control over each filters tonal range and intensity - very cool.



#7 - My final step in Silver Efex Pro 2 is to select "Finishing Adjustments" to complete the image. On this image I selected a particular toning and adjusted for taste. I also added a small amount of vignetting to help draw your eye to the center of the image.



I go back to CS5 and make some selective sharpening and then back to LR3. Here is the final image.



You might notice the blue light in the nose of this particular Harrier. We see it fairly regularly at Willie and I call it 'ol blue nose. I bring this to your attention to show you a cool technique Nik has in Silver Efex Pro 2. It is called "Selective Colorization". You can actually bring color back into specific parts of a b&w image if you want.

Sorry for such a long post; however, this was my feeble attempt at sharing my techniques when using Nik Silver Efex Pro 2. These same results can be achieved in CS5; however, it would require more work than a lazy guy like me wants to accept. I hope the information is helpful at some level.

[Dave S.]

Jeff,

Nice job!  Thank you for sharing some of your 'behind the scenes' techniques with the group.  I think most of us still enjoy learning something new, especially if it's related to photography and/or aviation.

- Dave

[jslugman]

You a smart feller there Mr. Welker. I only had to use 2 crayons to writ everything down. 

Seriously good stuff Jeff. Hope to see more.