We The Creators is a campaign launched by VSCO to call every creative in the community. And since I mainly use VSCO in editing my photographs, I chose to use this filter as a creator myself. You can expect this in your preset library as long as you are a VSCO member with the latest version of the application.
I first use Lightroom ― a photo processor developed by Adobe System.
It is a great tool for editing, sorting, organizing, storing, and sharing your photographs. When I edit, I only use one thing ― Blue Hi-Contrast Filter in one of their Lightroom B&W Filter presets. After editing my images, I then use their rating tool which basically sort out hundreds of images into few selected ones by simply giving them ratings (i.e. ★★★★✩.)
Library Module
Click Quick Develop on the right panel > Saved Preset
Saved Preset > Lightroom B&W Filter Preset
Lightroom B&W Filter Preset > Click Blue Hi-contrast Filter
Photo Edited
After editing and sorting the images, I click Grid View (G) and select (ctrl + click) all the sorted 4-5 starred images, and then exporting them by simply clicking the Export tool on the left panel of Lightroom's interface. After exporting all the images, I save them to Dropbox or e-mail the images to myself so I can just simply download them for editing over at VSCO.
The last and main application I use in editing my #blackandwhite photographs is VSCO ― a photography mobile application created by an American company called Visual Supply Company.
I have been using VSCO for years now and I swear my its beauty and aesthetically pleasing presets which you can purchase in their App store. I bought almost all of their presents and will continue on buying new ones as a way of thanking and supporting the company.
After importing the images in your VSCO Library and selecting the photograph you want to edit, choose a preset in the editor interface. For this photograph, I will be using the preset F1 under the F Series: Mellow/Fade. Adjust the effect through the slider. I often use +8.0 to +9.0 in my photographs.
I love moody and contrasty photographs with all my heart. I achieved it by lowering the exposure to -1.6 and increasing the contrast to +2.4.
Straightening and cropping the image is already a given especially if you want to frame your photograph properly. And in my case, I needed to do it because this photograph was taken while riding a 2-decker bus going to Dubai thus it wasn't framed well. And again, balance is another key in achieving a good photograph.
My most favorite part is definitely adding the grains! It makes every photograph extra moody which I am bloody obsessed with. It also enhances the texture of the photograph; another feel I always want to achieve when editing in #blackandwhite.
If you are editing a bunch of photographs, instead of doing the whole process again and again, you can now save your recipe which VSCO launched just this year. You can check this VSCO tutorial on how to save and apply your own recipe in all your photographs. Just be sure to have the latest version to enjoy this handy tool.