How To Use The Gradient Map for Black and White Photographs

Jim, I have enjoyed your artistic vision for several years. These days I was editing a portrait whose color never ended up satisfying me, so I remembered this video of yours and converted the color image to black and white, following, as closely as I could, the steps outlined by you. The next comment is very near, but nonetheless, it is valid: I obtained a worthy result. If you are still able to see how your instructions permeate your audience, let me know where to send you the before and after of this edition for your observation.

One thing I can't figure out...why does your gradient map darken the image? As I understand it, the gradient map is supposed to be sampling the luminosity value and replacing it with whatever is on the gradient map for that luminosity...so shouldn't a default b&w gradient match the b&w photo exactly? It darkens mine too and I can't wrap my head around why.

Outstanding tutorial Jim. I haven't done this technique yet. Very well explained, can't wait to dive in. Subscribed!

Really enjoyed this. Am trying to learn PS. You have taught me a lot. One thing is how do I find your FB Page??

OK this is great, but it's also kind of insane.

I get confused as to why it matters in stacking adjustments what is on top or which.

very helpful

I'm trying to move a logo that I added a gradient to in an inner circle but when I move the image the gradient stays. How do I fix this

Can you explain the reason for the Gaussian Blur in this tutorial please, I got a bit lost at that point.

This is the best gradient map video for landscape I've seen! Thank you!

Is this “photography”?

Excellent video

A+ Jim. Thank you so much!

Great tutorial Jim. A lot of info to digest in a short amount of time. Very powerful stuff! Glad to have found you via Blake and f.64 channel.

At one point you say you are making a stamp, what do you mean?

I'm a great fan of B&W photography. This is by far the best B&W conversion tutorial I have seen. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach your knowledge. Greatly appreciated.

Cool tutorial Jim. Subbed and belled. I need to take my B&W beyond LR and this is the way to go. Thanks for this.

Thank you!

This is a great tutorial man.

Wow I know so little, and still know so little but a little more now thanks to this video and so much more appreciation of B&W now.

Hi Jim, this is the first time I'm following you and for sure I'm going to keep on doing it. Well done for your tutorials.

It's just amazing. I love it.
By the way your voice looks like the one of Tom Hanks.

fantastic work, concise and very effective. I am subscribing to your channel for more great works.

Awesome

very nice . Thank you

I am sooo glad I use a ‘wet’ darkroom! This seems very artificial. Just an old man talking...

The Bob Ross of Photoshop Black and White shots! Great presentation full of techiniques that are easy to follow and comprehend. Thank you so much for sharing.

Great Video!!!

I just found you, and subscribed. An excellent video. Thank you.

You created a stamped layer and then a Gaussian Blur with Blend mode to Multiply. I'm not sure what the Gaussian blur is doing .. softening and enriching the darks? Can you explain.
I really appreciate being able to watch your processing. Very helpful. Thanks

Hello Jim, Your b&w images are superb and I thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. I also watched the video where you made a b&w picture using On1 Photo RAW and I much appreciated the simplicity and elegance of your methodology. Simply put, your work is exceptional ! Take care.

Hi Jim, I don't see the need for the gradient map, it's easy enough to do all in this video without it and after the stamp it's redundant anyway.

This video sparked my old forgotten interest towards B&W photography all over again. Thank you Jim!

I enjoyed and learned from this video. One thing I don't understand is why you created the stamped layer and blurred the whole image. What was the purpose of that step? Why blur everything?

The way you made a stamp and did all those adjustments but upped the lower blacks a few touches, isn't that destructive?

So glad I found this! Thank you.........

learned more in ONE video than the previous 1000 I have watched. Thanks Jim

One of the best B&W video on the net - wow! You did a great job.

Brilliant Jim

got lost at create a stamp from the brightness/contrast layer...how? You apparently clicked on on the left icon in the B/C layer..but doesn't work in my version of cs6 - downloaded yesterday. help??

Great tutorial. Detailed explanation. One tip: You don't have to blur your mask, if you use feather on selection.

Just came from F64...loved it. Will you be having the promo again on your course. Was blown away on how you make your images radiate!

....what about using the 1st adjustment in luminosity blend mode .... but I guess I wouldn’t do much difference at this poin..

Hi Jim, is there a similar method as this that one could use in ON1 Raw 2018. Thanks for all your wonderful tutorial work.