Automate lightroom import to convert color to BW

[david911]

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I am only interested in B&W, and almost exclusively interested in creating physical prints.

I am not convinced that I will notice the difference between an M11 image converted to B&W and a M11 Monochrom image. I am not saying there isn't a difference, I'm just not sure I will notice it.

Given the above, would it be a reasonable workflow to shoot the M11, and then use some import preset or something to automatically convert images to B&W on import? This would still preserve the raw file, correct? Similarly, when people say the routinely underexpose to preserve highlights by 1/3 stop, do they automatically add that stop back on import?

I am very new to post processing, and still trying to what direction to go in. I don't love Adobe licensing model, but maybe I can do something similar in a different program (e.g. Mac Photos and Affinity Pro).

Thanks for your help,

 

David

 

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[frame-it]

48 minutes ago, david911 said:

I am only interested in B&W, and almost exclusively interested in creating physical prints.

I am not convinced that I will notice the difference between an M11 image converted to B&W and a M11 Monochrom image. I am not saying there isn't a difference, I'm just not sure I will notice it.

Given the above, would it be a reasonable workflow to shoot the M11, and then use some import preset or something to automatically convert images to B&W on import? This would still preserve the raw file, correct? Similarly, when people say the routinely underexpose to preserve highlights by 1/3 stop, do they automatically add that stop back on import?

I am very new to post processing, and still trying to what direction to go in. I don't love Adobe licensing model, but maybe I can do something similar in a different program (e.g. Mac Photos and Affinity Pro).

Thanks for your help,

 

David

 

in lightroom, import one file only

in the develop module

make it black and white the way you want it

save the develop preset

remove the file from lightroom, not from the disk.

 

now whenever you bulk import images, apply the develop preset you saved on import.

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Edited September 1, 2024 by frame-it

[Chuck Albertson]

Or just hit "v" for a quick look at a b&w conversion.

[jaapv]

On 9/2/2024 at 12:29 AM, david911 said:

I am only interested in B&W, and almost exclusively interested in creating physical prints.

I am not convinced that I will notice the difference between an M11 image converted to B&W and a M11 Monochrom image. I am not saying there isn't a difference, I'm just not sure I will notice it.

Given the above, would it be a reasonable workflow to shoot the M11, and then use some import preset or something to automatically convert images to B&W on import? This would still preserve the raw file, correct? Similarly, when people say the routinely underexpose to preserve highlights by 1/3 stop, do they automatically add that stop back on import?

I am very new to post processing, and still trying to what direction to go in. I don't love Adobe licensing model, but maybe I can do something similar in a different program (e.g. Mac Photos and Affinity Pro).

Thanks for your help,

 

David

 

Yes, you can do that but it will not release you from processing the image. That will be a learning curve, sometimes a steep one.
The conversion into B&W is not a single-click operation, it requires contrast curves, colour filter simulation, levels correction, black and white point setting etc. so automating it is not really the answer, it will give you a starting point only and save one click of many. These operations apply to Monochrom files as well (apart from filter simulation)

[Jeff S]

On 9/1/2024 at 6:29 PM, david911 said:

I am not convinced that I will notice the difference between an M11 image converted to B&W and a M11 Monochrom image. I am not saying there isn't a difference, I'm just not sure I will notice it.

 

 

Apart from IQ, I find benefits in the shooing experience when using a Monochrom. As with B&W film, there is a more focused mindset created by ignoring distractions from potential color pics, at least for me.  
 

That said, I also make B&W conversions when using my color based cameras, but don’t rely on import default settings, for reasons that Jaap mentions. It takes one click to convert to B&W, but after that, each pic demands its own attention for optimal editing and print results. One can store a series of presets, but I can work just as quickly and flexibly by editing pics individually using PP controls.

Jeff

Edited September 9, 2024 by Jeff S