This is the first time I have tried out Silver Efex Pro 2 for converting photos to black and white. This is part of the Nik Collection software and since March 2016, Google has made the collection available to everyone. What I found particularly useful is the advanced tonality control. The dynamic brightness control works really well because it allows you more control without darkening the whole image and at the same time retaining highlight detail in the brightest areas.
I also did some final adjustments with the contrast controls and found that the soft contrast slider worked really well in achieving the desired results for black and white conversion. It allows you to subtly increase the blacks and transform a flat looking black and white photo to a contrasty black and white print. The soft contrast slider actually gives you similar results to when you used to dodge and burn in the darkroom with a photo enlarger during the film days.
The black and white conversions below taken at the Sculptures By The Sea showing crowds along the Bondi to Bronte walk and a view of Bondi Beach with one of the sculpture exhibits.
The world’s largest temporary sculpture park, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi with 106 new works by artists from 14 countries: Australia, China, Denmark, England, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA. At this year’s exhibition notable sculptures include Chinese artist Qian Sihua’s large bubble-gum blowing head and large kinetic works by Hiroyuki Kita (Japan) and Phil Price (New Zealand). Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi. Pictures shows crowds looking at various works on the walk from Bondi to Tamarama Beach (Paul Lovelace)The world’s largest temporary sculpture park, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi with 106 new works by artists from 14 countries: Australia, China, Denmark, England, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA. At this year’s exhibition notable sculptures include Chinese artist Qian Sihua’s large bubble-gum blowing head and large kinetic works by Hiroyuki Kita (Japan) and Phil Price (New Zealand). The 17th annual Sculpture by the Sea Exhibition, Bondi. Picture shows Bondi Beach, Sydney (Paul Lovelace)
