Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
If You're Really, Really Serious About B&W, Then Consider This
Instead
I saved this for the last page, because I wanted to share all my favorite techniques for doing
B&W using just Photoshop's tools, and although I still use those techniques from time to
time, it would be pretty disingenuous of me if I didn't tell you what I do most of the time,
which is: I use Silver Efex Pro 2, a black-and-white plug-in that is part of the Google Nik
Collection. AlmostalltheprosIknowuseitaswell,andit'sabsolutely brilliant (andsuper-
easy to use). You can download the free 15-day trial copy from
www.google.com/nikcol-
lection
and see for yourself. Here's how I use it:
Step One:
OnceyouinstallSilverEfexPro2,opentheimageyouwanttoconvertfromcolortoB&W,
then go under Photoshop's Filter menu, under Nik Collection, and choose
Silver Efex Pro
2
. When the window opens, it gives you the default conversion (which isn't bad all by it-
self), and a host of controls on the right side (but honestly, I literally never touch those
controls).
SCOTT KELBY
Step Two:
