Another great technique in for livening up your pictures is to use Focal Back and White. This is a simple technique thanks to the simplicity of Picasa.
You’ll need Picasa, the photo editing and management software from Google to do this.
This is so easy, and such a great effect.
Here is the before picture:
And After
Here are some other examples:
Tips to consider when applying the Focal Black and White Filter:
- Use the Saturation Effect before the Focal Black and White to desaturate your image. This makes the transition between color and b&w more subtle
- Think about applying the effect to non-circular items, using large soft focal areas.
[tags]Mike Delgaudio, Picasa, technique, photo editing, black and white, photo[/tags]
3 responses so far ↓
Adam Talbot // Jan 28, 2007 at 5:00 pm
Hey,
I’m struggling to get the complete colour/black and white contrast like you have achieved in the butterfly photo. Obviously this would be quite simple with a spherical object such as the ball but I can’t master it for people of a non-spherical shape!
Any tips?
Thanks!
mdelgaudio // Jan 28, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Adam: Thanks for stopping by! Since Picasa always does a circle for this effect, you have to get a bit creative. Also, you’ll need a source image that will work in your favor. Since it’s relatively simple in Picasa, not every image will work. I just created a Flickr set to show you each of the incremental steps to create the butterfly image. I hope this helps.
Adam Talbot // Jan 30, 2007 at 6:06 am
Thanks Mike! I think I’m using a bit of an awkward shaped subject hence my trouble, the football effect is awesome though!
Thanks for all the tips, I’ve read them all and they really help me since I’m only just starting out in photography!
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