Do the various settings and adjustments to black and white photo editing intimidate you? Are you not quite sure where to start? Creating a great black and white image in Photoshop is easier than you might think. If you want a simple way to convert your photos to black and white, Silver Efex Pro 2 from Nik Software is it!
Silver Efex Pro 2 is a plug-in that you can purchase for your Photoshop program. It is compatible with both the full version of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. It’s super easy to use, even if you’re a beginner!
After you install the software, you’ll find Silver Efex Pro 2 in the Filters menu. Open your desired photo into Photoshop, then click on the Silver Efex filter and it will open up in a new window. Your window will look like the image below. You’ll then be able to choose from the 38 presets you’ll find in the panel toward the left, with a preview of the photo in the middle. For a super-easy black and white effect, simply scroll through the presets, using the arrow keys on the keyboard, and pick the preset you like best. It takes just seconds to go from a so-so black and white photo to an amazing one!
There are so many different effects you can achieve by using the various presets available. Here are a few of my favorites!
Once you’ve selected a preset, you can then press “OK” to open your adjusted photo into Photoshop. Or, you may choose to customize the black and white effect a bit. These adjustments can be made in the panel toward the right. This is where you can have fun customizing your photo, using the various sliders to adjust the contrast, brightness, structure, etc. If you’d like to dig deeper into customizing these settings, check out our newest workshop on black and white photography, where we not only show you how to edit your photos, but also what goes into making a great black and white image.
With this photo, I started out with the Neutral preset, then with just a few quick adjustments to the contrast, structure and vignette settings my photo looks fantastic.
Silver Efex Pro 2 is a great tool for converting your photos to black and white quickly and easily…give it a try, download a 15-Day Free Trial and see for yourself! 
Save 15% on your Nik Software purchase when you mention the code LTSM! Offer expires Saturday, March 10, 2012.
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