An even better b&w combining VitaminBW 2 and Shape
About this tutorial
This is the very first tutorial of the new instructional and training system with a mix of text, images, and quick video contents for an effective learning experience.
In black & white photography, the contrast is of paramount importance. As you probably know Vitamin creates its contrast in two steps. First, with and excellent b&w conversion and by using color filtering, second by enhancing contrast using a smart algorithm. But if you need a more refined control of the contrast enhancement you can put together the top of the B&W conversion (Vitamin BW2) with the flexibility and quality of the top of the contrast enhancement (Shape). Learn how.
3.1 VitaminBW 2 is a two steps black and white conversion
The plugin first converts a color file in a smooth, high-quality black and white, then enhances its contrast and local contrast. We call this second step, “Vitaminize”.
By default, you get the final result as a single layer, so you will see only the final result.
By using the single tone button, you get a folder containing the two layers (three if you are adding a color hue) that allows better understand how VitaminBW 2 works.
The importance of contrast in Black & White
Black and white photography misses the contrast given by the colors and can only use the luminosity contrast. It seems a trivial statement but it’s the starting point to have the right approach to black and white conversion.
Before applying the contrast enhancement VitaminBW 2 allows to dramatically improve the contrast by using color filtering. In the jet image for example it’s evident that a simple contrast enhancement is not be able to get the same result given by the tonal “re-allocation” of the red color filter.
3.2 Improving tonal contrast by using color filtering
As seen, before boosting the contrast Vitamin BW2 offers many color filtering options to re-allocate the tonal values and start with a better result.
An exclusive tool is “Triple Tone” that, with one click serves you on a silver tray three tonal versions to choose from or blend. A full range of color filters is available, including the red filter, the “wild horse”.
More info and download links
Jet Raptor: Public Domain from Wikipedia. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez.
Download
These two are copyrighted images of Roberto Bigano. Feel free to download, use as a test and share wherever you like. No editorial or commercial use allowed.
Download Fire on The Mincio Valley
Download Church after the quake
3.3 Using the VitaminBW built-in contrast enhancement
Once converted in black and white, VitaminBW 2 adds its contrast enhancement. It’s incredibly performing and easy to use, but its strength is sometimes also its weakness. Why? The algorithm applies a radius that depends on the file size: large file large radius, small file small radius. No way to control its strength.
You still have some options to increase or reduce contrast. Increase by using the “Boost” option in the contrast menu. Reduce by choosing the layered version and by tweaking the opacity of the conversion layer.
More info and download links
This is a copyrighted image of Roberto Bigano. Feel free to download, use as a test and share wherever you like. No editorial or commercial use allowed without written permission.
Download raw file of Seaside House at Urk. The Netherlands
Suggested settings: VitaminBW [Orange, Normal, Neutral] – Shape (45, 15) P(20, 20) F(3, 15, 60) CB00 applied on the Vitamin Flat layer as shown in the tutorial.
This DNG file is exported from DxO with default settings, then opened as an advanced object from Camera Raw and default settings only removing USM.
About halos
VitaminBW 2 like other popular tools like NEXT works by creating micro, small, medium or large halos; they are responsible for the contrast improvement creating a multitude of small light/dark transitions. However, sometimes the halos can be disappointing, especially if you are working on an image with a uniform texture.
For example, micro, small and medium halos have significantly improved this image.
Large halos instead, were a problem in the flat background an needed to be fixed by removing the unwanted parts in the layer mask. Watch the videos 3.3 and 3.4.
3.4 Using the Shape contrast enhancement
Start by comparing the VitaminBW conversions using different color filtering.
If for instance, you like the blue version relaunch the blue, using the “Single Tone” button. You will get two separate layers. You can now deactivate the “conversion” layer.
You are now ready to launch Shape. To start, try the two presets: Global and Local, then tweak strength, sharpening, and highlights and shadows protection taking benefit of the advanced setting, using preferences.
Welcome in the kingdom of the customizable contrast enhancement.
More info and download links
This is a copyrighted image of Roberto Bigano. Feel free to download, use as a test and share wherever you like. No editorial or commercial use allowed without written permission.
Download raw file of Mannequin
Suggested settings:
VitaminBW VitaminBW [None, Normal, Cool]
Shape (41, 21) P(20, 29) F(3, 15, 60) CB0 applied on the Vitamin Flat layer as shown in the tutorial.
€32 – Multi-licenses available
Full functions with watermark
€32 – Multi-licenses available
Full functions with watermark
Really loved it thx
i loved your tutorial. thanks for sharing.
Amazing tutorials. I really loved it. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
This was an amazing tutorial. Really enjoyed reading it.
So it is a good thign but a little too much to pay for. Obviously they work very well but still I would like them to be a little bit less pricey.
I’ve also noticed some things are not very good at showing before/after images. There are a lot of nice tools but those are a little expensive to purchase each one individually. I think a great plugin worth looking at a really very reasonable price. I’ll try it as soon as possible.
Good morning Roberto, i hope your are doing fine,
i just saw that you have the new turorials on your web page,
i would love to see and learn your new methods, as you know, i bought all your plug ins,
i only need to see the videos how to
can you help?
Hello Fari
I realized that the first still image made you believe to open a video.
Now it correctly links to the first video just below.
The page embeds four videos.
Thanks for your feedback.
Roberto