I am no expert when it comes to Photoshop, I know how to use the basics but few of the obscure methods which gives more control and power of your images. This is similiar to working in the darkroom, the basics are easy, but unlocking the "true" image is where it gets difficult.

So I was pleased to come across this advanced technique for converting color images to black and white. It gives you the ability to control more aspects of the image while converting and thus achieve various results. I take no credit for the tutorial this is just my example using it.

eyesondesign.net: Photoshop tutorial Converting to B&W

My Original Image:

Desaturated Image Here is how I previously would have converted it to black and white. Basically desaturate the image and then tweak the brightness and contrast:

Hue/Saturation Adjusted Here is how I manipulated it following the tutorial. Using Hue/Saturation adjustment layers, quite a difference:

• eyesondesign.net - The source of the Photoshop tutorial. A good site with other tutorials and plenty of freebies.
• DesignsByMark.com - Excellent Photoshop Tips and Tutorials online as quicktime movies showing how it's done, fun and easy.