The Pink WIndow: Monochrome

The Pink WIndow: Monochrome, originally uploaded by jjvornov.

I spent some time trying out the monochrome conversion method that VIncent Versace describes in “Welcome to Oz”. It’s complex and I don’t fully understand it. Some of the steps don’t result in the state he describes in the book. Some of this may be changes in Photoshop CS2 to CS3 however.

He describes a method in which rather than blending the RGB channels together, three separate layers are created- one for R, one for B and one for G. He then goes through the effects of changing the order of the three layers and then, of course, using masks to select how different areas of the image are converted.

For example, in this image I wanted the grate to be dark, which it isn’t in the color version. I wanted the sill to be close in value to the rest of the paint. This took a bit of painting back bright or dark layers in these areas.

Overall, it’s a destination that I couldn’t have gotten to without the methods. Using the transformation preset that engineered into a monochrome film is a much more constrained process.

Author: James Vornov

I'm an MD, PhD Neurologist who left a successful academic career on the Faculty of The Johns Hopkins Medical School to develop new treatments in Biotech and Pharma. I became fascinated with how people actually make decisions based on the science of decision theory and emerging understanding of how the brain works to make decisions. My passion now is this deep explanation of what has been the realm of philosophy, psychology and self help but is now understood as brain function. By understanding our brains, I believe we can become happier, more successful people. View all posts by James Vornov