Color a Black and White Photo App: Tips for Stunning Results

When it comes to converting color images into striking black and white photographs, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in creating high-contrast black and white images using Capture One's color grading and editing features.

To begin with, let's start by importing our image into Capture One and increasing the High Dynamic Range Highlight slider to 38. This will help reduce highlights and increase contrast further, ensuring that our blacks are rich and deep while our whites remain subtle. Additionally, we can turn on Exposure Warnings to prevent overexposure or underexposure.

Next, let's add some clarity and structure to our image by applying a Punch mode with 40 Clarity and 12 Structure. This will help enhance the overall contrast and texture of our image. We can also customize our Luma Curve to darken shadows and mid-tones while lightening highlights slightly.

For greater control over our image, let's adjust the Levels on the Background layer by moving the white point to -226 and the midpoint to -0.18. This will open up the whites in the image while increasing contrast further.

To convert our color image into a stunning black and white photograph, we'll enable Black and White mode and reduce the Blue channel to -20. This will help darken the blue in the sky, creating a more dramatic effect.

One of the key benefits of using Capture One is its ability to customize shortcuts and workflows. By creating custom shortcuts, we can streamline our editing process and work more efficiently through our images.

In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in creating high-contrast black and white images using Capture One's color grading and editing features. We'll also discuss the benefits of working directly on raw files, including saving disk space and reaping the rewards of an ever-improving processing engine.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Capture One offers a range of tools and features to help you create stunning black and white images without the need for third-party plugins. And with its 30-day free trial available, there's no better time to start exploring the world of black and white photography with Capture One.

Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

To see Martin Bailey's edits in action and learn more about his workflow, watch the step-by-step video tutorial that accompanies this blog post. And don't forget to check out our latest version of Capture One for even more features and improvements.

Creating stunning black and white images with Capture One requires a combination of skill, patience, and practice. By following these tips and experimenting with different editing techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your camera's raw files and produce breathtaking results. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, Capture One is an essential tool for any serious photographer looking to take their black and white photography to the next level.

Color a black and white photo app