How-To: Easily Convert Your Photo to Grayscale Using Photoshop LAB Mode

Following is an excerpt from a new how-to article by our Photoshop Master instructor, Jeannette Smith...

There are several methods for creating a grayscale photo in Photoshop. One way is not necessarily better than another, it's simply a matter of personal preference and your comfort level with Photoshop. To name a few methods, you could use the RAW Converter, various adjustment layers such as Hue/Saturation, Channel Mixer or Black & White, or the method I've chosen for this tutorial -- the LAB Color Mode.

This "additive" method, as opposed to an editing or corrective method, takes advantage of the Luminance Channel in the LAB Color Mode. I particularly like this method because

• it is non-destructive to your original photo, which is always the best way to go when making any kind of adjustments or changes to your photographs;
  
• it uses a Blending Mode that gracefully combines areas of overlying pixels, adding richer color effects;
  
• and adds saturation, unlike many other methods. 

With this process, we can utilize the native light contained in the image, which is always a good idea for getting the most natural results, because it captures the subtle light-to-dark transitional tones that keep the photo looking alive and fresh, not altered and dull.

Ready to get started? Click here for the easy step-by-step instructions and photo examples...

(To see more of our instructor's how-to articles, click here!)

There was a party going on...and it was a great success!

Wow - what an event! We had over 500 people attend the grand open house celebration of the Aperture Academy.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and we have over 200 photos from the event to share. FYI, in the gallery, we are offering 10% off prints and 15% off classes through the end of 2009...and we now have gift certificates! (Call 408-369-8585 to learn more.)

Take a look through the party photos (taken by our official event photographer, Steven Davis).

[To see the Old Crystal Mill larger, click here]
[Read about the party and see all the photos here]

The party was a great way for us to show the public what we're all about. Our in-field instructors, Brian Rueb and Jim Patterson, were available to talk to the public, answer questions about workshops, and share stories from their photographic experiences. Classroom instructors, Jeanette Smith and Scott Donschikowski, were there as well, offering some tips and tutorials on Photoshop and Lightroom. Stephen Oachs, the gallery founder and the gala's host, answered questions regarding his photographs and gave away over $5000 worth of prints and certificates as prizes in the raffle.

We sincerely wish to thank everyone who was able to attend; for those of you far away, thank you for all your kind wishes. Have a safe holiday and a new year!

The Magic of Creation

Post written by Jeanette Smith, Creative Arts Instructor for Aperture Academy

What is it that motivates us to create, to share for the pure pleasure of expression? Where does this energy come from?
 
We seek ways to express our uniqueness, connect with people who share the same excitement, and acquire knowledge so we can communicate more thoroughly. Then, one day we find ourselves in just the right place, at just the right time, and we are happy.

As a teacher of creative arts, I am lucky to witness, on a regular basis, the eagerness, that "ah-ha" moment of clarity and the ensuing satisfaction that comes with learning something new. I wish students could see themselves at that moment. See themselves gazing back at me with such wonder; confident that the knowledge they take with them will become a vehicle for a deeper channel of creativity.
 
My first classroom experience at Aperture Academy, the Photoshop® for Photographers class, awakened this magic.

"I loved the class, it was just what I needed for a boost to help my picture-taking."  - Brenda Bresnahan

My advice to students learning Photoshop? Focus on doing one thing at a time.
 
Photoshop is a big animal, it does many things; not difficult things, but there are many, many things Photoshop can do. However, it's very methodical, and Photoshop will do exactly what you tell it to do. By defining one task at a time, and achieving just that, you will enjoy a powerful feeling of accomplishment.

In my class, our goal is to teach you to leverage the power of Photoshop as a modern day darkroom. Our on-site workshops blend perfectly with this digital classroom experience...at Aperture Academy, we provide a whole soup-to-nuts package for the digital photographer, no matter what experience or skill level.
 
When you join us in our workshops, you will shoot at beautiful locations, with the lighting at your back and a fantastic view in front of you...then come into my classroom and watch your images come to life!
 
Please visit our Website, sign up to come with us and join the fun!