Ccc

HOW TO CONVERT DIGITAL COLOR IMAGES TO BLACK AND WHITE USING PHOTOSHOP

You asked about a 'foolproof' b&w conversion method? This way isn't foolproof (or I couldn't use it), but it offers the most control. It's my favorite method and is easier than it looks here.

1. Add a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer (Layer->New Adjustment Layer->Hue/Saturation); click 'OK' and set its Blending Mode in the Layers palette to 'Color'.

2. Add another Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer; set the Saturation at -100 and click 'OK'. Keep its Blending Mode at 'Normal'. Now you have two Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layers.

3. Double-click on the layer thumbnail of the bottom Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer.

4. The 'Hue' slider is what makes it all happen-move it around to see how the conversion reacts. You can also boost the saturation to make the effect more drastic.

5. Adjust it to your liking, Layer->Flatten Image and you're done! Tweaking the 'Hue' slider results in as if the picture was taken with different color filters