Got a question for designers

[scrolldog]

Recently got a new digital camera from my wife.
It has a lot of great features,one of which is b&w pictures.
O.K. now my question,is it easier to convert to patterns from color or b&w pictures?
Don't want to take a bunch of pics in B&W and have trouble trying to convert to patterns.Or having to take 2 pics (1 in color/1 in b&w).
Have inkscape and Gimp on 'puter still learning the ins and outs of programs.
Any help would be appreciated.Thanks in advance.

[Andy]

Hmmm ... good question! I prefer color pictures to work with, even though one of the first steps in the pattern making process is to convert to greyscale (for me anyway). That being said, I use a dual monitor setup and while doing the patterns in greyscale or black and white I invariably have the original color picture up on the 2nd monitor as a reference. I tend to see things in black and white, NO!, I'm not color blind, LOL, to be able to pull shades out of the color picture, the subtle nuances, the background details and/or highlights, is a vital part of my process and I couldn't do it with a black and white as well. At least I don't think I could. Creatures of habit we are! LOL

Andy

[m_r_dxn]

The ones that I've done, I started with color. Like Andy said, you can then transfer to B&W if you want to, which I some times do. You can't, however, start with B&W and transfer to color. In my opinion, your better off leaving yourself with all the options available. But hey, what the heck do I know? I'm still learning myself. I'm no expert.

[scrolldog]

Andy,the reason I asked is we have three dogs,1 is a fox terrrier and just b&w/1 is a pit bull-shepard mix mostly brown with white blaze and belly(some on face and legs )and some black lines on face/1 is a rat terrier min pin mix mostly white with black spots and facial features w a little bit of brown.
Just not sure which would be easier with the multi colored dogs.(b&w or color pics) as I may try to make intarsia patterns for my pups.
Thanks for the quick reply,don't know if I could handle two monitors have enough trouble with one LOL.

[Back2Jake]

When I create patterns, I don't use the computer and actually prefer black and white photocopies of laser prints to work from.

I suppose black and white or colour depends on what works best for you. Apparently I see things differently than Andy. LOL. (probably a good thing)

Take care
Toni

[scrolldog]

Toni,I have a light box and tried the photo copy and blank overlay and didn't care for the outcome(but I'm defintely not an artist LOL)so downloaded the pattern programs and it's a learning curve for me.
Have made a few word art patterns thanks to you and Sue for the inspiration.

[Arcy]

I'd start with pictures in color from the camera.

It is easy (and generally works better) to convert from color to black and white in most photo editors. I haven't tried it, but I expect GIMP has a command to automatically convert to B&W.

Converting from B&W to color is a lot trickier.

--Rob

[Andy]

I like the way Mr D XN put it. In color you have options, in black and white you'll never know the true color. It's so easy to make it greyscale and/or black and white in the pattern process. Just about all the pictures I see I seem to find ways to pull the highlights out of solid colors which really helps create depth to patterns. If the patterns are good or not is subjective but even a solid black dog should have highlights from the lighting that help you convey details in a pattern.

As for Toni and I seeing things different, it makes me want to sing "I see your true colors shining through" ... to her. That's good enough for me! LOL I truly admire Toni's abilities, have established a long time friendship with her, and GREATLY appreciate that she can pick on me endlessly. Differing views are what makes this world go round and the mutual respect of peers is gratifying. Thank you Toni!!!! Yeah, I'm taking a feeble attempt at saying I've missed you, cherish your friendship, and endlessly value your opinion!

Andy

[Fremmed]

I prefer color. Mainly because black and white tones can blend into each other making it difficult to separate and define pattern lines. While I convert a photo to black and white (gray scale actually) I ALWAYS have the original color photo next to it as a reference.

[scrolldog]

Guys,thanks for all the input .wasn't sure if I would lose to much detail if using B&W pictures,starting to make more sense now.
Like I said in the post above,the wife and I have three dogs and I would like to make a pattern to make something for the wifes home office wall(they're her babies ).
Hope my question will help others interested in trying to make their own patterns.