How to Create a Black and White Photo in Adobe Photoshop CC (2021)

Color really changed the way photographs were taken. Suddenly a world of color was opened up. Different hues, saturation levels, and balancing made infinite possibilities. However, every once and a while, going back to simple black and white can be a statement. Removing the color can be a way to bring out the raw nature of a subject. It focuses us on the content rather than the aesthetic. It is a powerful tool to have in your toolbox. Today I am going to show you how to create a black and white photo in Adobe Photoshop CC.

How to Create a Black and White Photo in Adobe Photoshop CC (2021)

There are two ways to do this, a simpler way, and a more ingrained way. Let’s start off with the simple way.

Using Adjustment Layers

1. Import your photo into Photoshop. I am using Envato Elements for this. A great subscription service with an unlimited amount of stock footage.
2. On the bottom of the layers panel, select the adjustments  button.
3. Click on the Black & White button to apply black and white to the photo.
4. Now go to the properties tab and look at the different color sliders. Each of these sliders can be used to manipulate the strength of the black/white coloring.
5. Move these sliders around to generate more contrast onto the image. Make some darker and some lighter to really pop the contrast.
6. You can also add a bit of Contrast to the image by going back to the adjustments button and adding on Brightness/Contrast.

Using Camera Raw

1. Import your photo into Photoshop again. I am using Envato Elements for this. A great subscription service with an unlimited amount of stock footage.
2. Click on your imported image and go up to Filter->Camera Raw Filter.
3. In this new mini-program, on the right side on the top, change it from “Auto” to “B&W”.
4. You can then use the B&W mixer as well as the Basic color correction panes to adjust the photo.
5. I like to add some texture and clarity, and then to use the B&W color mixer to bring out contrasted colors.

With both of these ways, you can definitely find a way to incorporate Black and White images into your workflow!

I would also suggest exploring Camera Raw more as well. There are some great things you can do with it!

If you have any questions or comments, let me know on the video itself, or down below!