Monochrome perfection

James Paterson demonstrates how to create brilliant black-and-white images in seconds with Profiles in Photoshop’s Camera Raw workspace

- James Paterson

THE MISSION

Learn how to apply black and white profiles and then make your own

Time needed 15 minutes

Skill level Beginner

Kit needed Photoshop CC

There are lots of tools in Photoshop and Lightroom for adjusting the look of your black and white photos and most of them are easy to get the hang of. In fact, more often the challenge lies in committing to a certain monochrome look, especially when there are so many sliders and settings to choose from. Should you go for this bold contrasty look? Or will a subtle matte effect be more suited to your photo? How about adding a vignette? Or opening up the shadows? Or dropping the blues? And so on. It’s the age-old editing conundrum: stick or twist.

Thankfully there are features that can help you overcome image-editing analysis paralysis. One such tool is Profiles. They’re ideal for monochrome lovers, as they give you one-click treatments in seconds, offering just the right amount of choice. As such, they’re a bit like Presets but offer greater control and flexibility. There’s an excellent set of B&W Profiles in Photoshop’s Camera Raw and Lightroom that gives you a range of different black and white looks.