From Dreaming to Blogging: How I Finally Made Time to Share My Photography Journey

Hello beautiful people! My name is Katie, and I’m a 22-year-old photography major at SFCC. Have you ever had a dream that seemed just out of reach? Well, that was me with blogging. Life always seemed to get in the way. But guess what? I finally made the time to start my blog, and that’s what brings me here today!

This post is a bit different from what I had originally planned to share. I was going to provide my class notes from last week, but I'm currently babysitting, and the notes got left at home. Instead, I'm thrilled to showcase some of my photography work with you! Today, I’ll one raw original image as well as the fully edited B&W conversion.

Let’s dive in!

The Beauty of Black and White Photography

Black and white photography has a timeless quality that can stir deep emotions and highlight the essence of the subject. By removing the distractions of color, it directs the viewer's attention to composition, texture, and light. As a photography major, I’ve learned that mastering black and white conversions can really take your work to the next level.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the original image and it’s print-ready version, demonstrating how different conversion methods can dramatically shift the mood and impact of a photograph.

Original Image

Before we explore the conversions, let’s look at the original image. Understanding the starting point is crucial for any adjustments.

Original serene reflection image

This original image captures a serene reflection , featuring soft lighting It's a perfect scene that sets the stage for the transformations ahead.

Method 1: Channel Mixer

The first technique I want to spotlight is the Channel Mixer. This method lets you adjust the intensity of the red, green, and blue channels, giving you control over how each color appears in grayscale.

For example, increasing the red channel can enhance the contrast in a sunset scene by up to 30%, while boosting the blue can add remarkable depth to a sky. This flexibility allows you to create images that range from dramatic to soft, based on your vision.

Black and white conversion using Channel Mixer

The result is a striking black and white reflection that emphasizes contrast and depth. It’s incredible how a few simple adjustments can change the entire mood of the image!

Method 2: HSL Grayscale

Next is the HSL Grayscale method. This technique allows you to convert an image to black and white while adjusting the brightness of specific colors.

For instance, if your image has lush greenery, adjusting the luminance of the green channel can lighten that area without altering other parts of your photo. Using HSL Grayscale can often enhance details in foliage and skies, creating a more balanced composition.

Method 3: Black and White Presets

Lightroom offers a variety of black and white presets that serve as great starting points for your conversions. These presets provide different looks, like high contrast or soft tones, ideal for various styles.

While utilizing presets can speed up your workflow, it's vital to fine-tune the settings to match your personal style and the unique characteristics of your image. In fact, according to a 2022 survey, 65% of photographers say they enhance presets to fit their vision!

Method 4: Split Toning

Finally, let’s discuss split toning. This method allows you to add color tones to the highlights and shadows of your black and white image. Adding subtle color may seem odd, but it can significantly boost the emotional weight of a photograph.

For instance, applying a warm tone to the highlights can evoke nostalgia. In contrast, cooler tones in the shadows can create a serene atmosphere. This technique is perfect for enriching your black and white images with depth and personality.

The Journey Forward

I hope you enjoyed this little journey into my photography process! It’s fascinating to see how different black and white conversion methods can transform an image and evoke various feelings.

As I continue my studies at SFCC, I’m eager to explore more techniques and share my findings with you. Blogging has opened a new avenue for me to express my creativity and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I’m excited to share more of my work and insights in the future. Until next time, keep capturing those beautiful moments!