IN-CAMERA PICTURE STYLES

Use your camera settings to predict how your final image will look

Using your camera’s Monochrome Picture Style or Picture Control is a great way to help you to pre-visualise how the scene will look in black and white. On a DSLR you can use Live View mode, which can show a blackand-white image on-screen. CSCs with an electronic viewfinder can show the effect direct in the viewfinder.

Most cameras offer a range of options to adjust the contrast and brightness of the effect, along with the option of applying filter effects and toning. The contrast control can help you to visualise how the final image will look, while the filter control can help to get a better range of tones from the scene’s colours.

When you take a shot, the image review will be in black and white, but the actual effect will only be applied to JPEG images, not raws. If you want a record of how the image was captured, shoot in RAW+JPEG mode, so that you have a reference image for your raw conversion.

Basic Monochrome mode

This simply converts the colour image into black and white, so the result can appear a little flat. But it will give you a good an idea of how the scene will appear in black and white.

Increased contrast

Adjusting the contrast will give you a better idea of how your final image will look. Try boosting the contrast in the Picture Control settings for a punchier result than the standard conversion.

Red Filter eff ect

This is the most useful incamera filter effect for landscapes. It will darken the blues of the sky and increase contrast. This will give you a better idea of how you can convert your colour image.