photoshop techniques:


Filtering

(More techniques to come)


filtering:

Click each for enlarged image
Consider this photograph: Water Pump


If we convert the resulting image to grayscale without modifying the color relationships, the resultant image is this: Water Pump B/W


However, if we go into Image-->Adjust-->Channel Mixer, we can play with the tonal relationships to whatever degree we wish. For example, if we wish to darken the red pump while leaving the middle tones of the grass relatively unchanged, under the Red Channel, we slide the Green slider far to the left. Click OK, then convert to grayscale. (Image-->Mode-->Grayscale)
 
The effect is similar to using a green filter with black and white film. I wanted to retain some detail in the shadow areas, so I didn't overdo the effect:
Water Pump (green filter)


We can also swing the tonal balances the other way, lightening the reds and also darkening the greens. Instead of adjusting the Red Channel, select the Green Channel, and significantly reduce the green output, while increasing the red output. Convert to grayscale, adjust brightness and contrast as necessary.
 
The resulting image is similar to using a red filter, yet with much more variable control:
Water pump (red filter)

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