SUMMARY
A photographer trained in film black and white discusses the challenges and methods of replicating darkroom print quality using digital tools. After 30 years of mastering film, they sought to achieve the same tonal control, shadow detail, and highlight sparkle in digital images. Initial attempts using simple grayscale conversion or lens filters proved insufficient, leading to exploration of more advanced techniques like blend modes and the black and white adjustment layer.
TAKEAWAYS
The author, a lifelong black and white photographer, transitioned from film to digital.
Key goals include replicating darkroom tonal control, shadow detail, and highlight sparkle.
Simple digital conversions like 'Grayscale' or using lens filters on camera were found to be inadequate.
The black and white adjustment layer proved most effective for achieving desired results.