Tutorial: Cool black and white picture effect

So I got bored and started messing around with photoshop, and I stumbled across a cool picture effect that I figured I would go ahead and share. It's not very complicated, so anyone can do it.

I started out with this bland photo of Dwyane Wade.



Step 1: Desaturate the image (control + shft + u)

Step 2: Duplicate the image

Step 3: On the duplicated layer go to Image > Adjustment > Levels

I chose this.... (but it varies from picture to picture)



which gave me this...




Step 4: Apply a gaussian blur to the duplicated layer (i chose 3.8 pixels)

Step 5: Set duplicated layer to overlay

Step 6: Go to Filter > Render > Lighting Effects

This really will depend on where you want to focus your light in. I went with a simple crossing down effect and then adjusted it to fit my picture.

Final result....



and of course, if you dont like it, you can always tinker with the levels at the end until you get exactly the desired result.

ohoh nice. that blur makes it look a little weird.... but nonetheless

Yeah, I think it'll look better without the blur, or maybe a 1.5 pixel blur, not 3.8, but nice

Yeah, I think it'll look better without the blur, or maybe a 1.5 pixel blur, not 3.8, but nice

agreed...nice info