Today’s post of Black and White images from the Ohio River Bridges Project were all processed using Topaz B&W Effects. I have tried several other B&W conversion apps and I really like Topaz B&W Effects better than any of the others. Topaz B&W Effects is a software plug-in that helps you convert color photos into beautiful monochrome images. It uses a unique B&W conversion engine that emphasizes tone and texture in order to help you get B&W images that pop.
Topaz B&W Effects is on sale for $39.99 with the code marbw until March 31, 2015.
I first processed all of these images in Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CS5 as color photos before adding another layer with Topaz B&W Effects. In each case I applied the various color filters to see which one gave me the results I liked. I was surprised by how responsive the filters were and how easy it was to increase or decrease the amount and see in real time what worked. I then adjusted the silver and paper tones and added some different borders all while in the Topaz B&W Effects plug-in.

Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.
The next three images in this post show how I was able to affect the toning of the silver and paper to give them a warmer feeling. I really like this feature as a way to subtly change the paper and silver colors to give each image a more personal feel.

Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.
Another nice feature of Topaz B&W Effects is that it remembers the last settings you used when you reopen it with another image. For these three images all I had to do was open them and apply the “Last Settings Used” option. Topaz B&W Effects makes it easy to maintain continuity between images when you are editing several photos from the same shoot.

Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.
A recurring theme in Topaz B&W Effects is that it helps you replicate traditional workflows with a modern twist. For example, traditionally you control tone with color filters, but in B&W Effects you can tweak the specific color and intensity of that filter.

Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.
The final image here is cooler toned and incorporates a thin border that is part of the finishing tab of adjustments. All I had to do was hit the reset button in the Topaz B&W menu and then start over adjusting paper and silver tone. There are 15 border styles to use from soft or sharp to black or white borders.

Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.
Have you ever converted a B&W image and been surprised at how flat it looks? You’ll never have that problem again. Topaz B&W Effects is an end-to-end workflow for B&W photography that will help you consistently create stunning images.
Another example: traditionally you’d have to manually dodge and burn your photos for good contrast. While Topaz B&W Effects still lets you to do this, it also offers a faster way: the Adaptive Exposure feature takes inspiration from modern HDR processing techniques to quickly create incredible tonal contrast and texture detail.
Disclaimer: I include links to the products I use when writing about them. These links allow me to earn a small commission on any purchases made through them. It is a small part of how I earn money from my photography.