The 3 levels to perfect black-and-white edits.

Black and white looks easy, but is hard. So what’s the best way to edit black and white in 2024? I’ll show you, but there are a couple of levels and you want to be comfortable with both.

In the video I use Silver 5 presets, BlackRoom actions, and Emulsion 4. You can also create your own versions of these processes manually. Just make sure you have something.

Many claim to be a new approach or the best. But what you’ll see in today’s video is that it’s more about the level of black and white you want to edit.

RAW fast and clean black-and-white edits are second to none. But the two more advanced methods we look at give you better black-and-white edits and don’t have to be complicated.

Over the years I designed all my layer-based tools to use the gradient map apprtach top black and white edits. Watch this video and I’ll show you how to use those manually.

It’s confidence to carry out your visualization and tools that let you try things efficiently.

Use shadows without fear like we talk about in Shadow Hackers. Because black and white is all about those shadows and the contrast they create. These methods just help you focus. Quick batch edits, then take the best and add layers of edits and atmosphere, use a tinting process if needed, and go to print.

This mix of cyanotype and wet plate processes created in Emulsion4 gives a strong drama.
Editing with presets and Lightroom and then a platinum process for this session finished it perfectly.
A selenium black-and-white edit approach was also finished in Emulsion 4. Like real selenium it’s subtle.

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About the Author

Glad you're here.

I'm from WA State USA and started studying photography in 97. I started work as a pro (using that word loosely because I sucked) using film at age 16. I learned fast but was not as easy to find training then. Sometimes I beat my head against the wall until I figured stuff out.

As digital dawned I went all in and got to study with masters like Ken Whitmire. In 09 I founded the Pro Photo Show podcast. I started promoting tone-focused editing. When Lightroom arrived, I started developing tools to make editing and workflow better.

20 years of study and photography around the country earned me a Master of Photography (M.Photog) from PPA. I got to see my workshops and tools featured in publications across the industry. Once I even won the prestigious HotOne award for my "EXposed" light and tone workshop.

Wanting something calmer, I moved to Mexico in 2017. It's a land of magical light. I'm here now exploring light and trying to master my weak areas. I make videos of that for my Youtube channel, sharing what I learn. I hope you'll stick around and be part of Light Hunters Tribe... Gavin

Gavin Seim

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