Black-and-white filter effects
Recreate the contrast-enhancing control of classic lens filters from the days of the darkroom
■ One of the ways that you can achieve punchier black-and-white images is by using black-and-white digital filters. These are usually available within the monochrome picture setting menu, or as pre-filtered film simulations.
These effects are based on the coloured filters black-and-white film photographers attach to their lenses to change the way in which the tones are recorded on the film. They block specific colours and allow others to pass through, which helps to improve the contrast between the grey tones in the final image.
The colour of the filter indicates which tone it lightens; a red filter lightens reds, while a green filter gives green foliage a lift. Yellow and orange filters have a similar effect to the red filter, progressively lightening the warmer colours in a scene, but with more subtle results. This is why they are probably the most useful all-rounders.
The filter effects also darken complementary colours – so a red filter effect causes greens to be rendered as much darker greys in the final image. Blue skies become much darker, too, which is why a red filter effect can be a great option for adding drama to summer shots.