Craft Compelling Photos In Black and White

Create Compelling Photographs In Black & White

One of the most commonly neglected artistic uses of the digital camera is black and white photography. With a little practice in developing an eye for when it will be effective, taking photos in black and white can be a worth-while supplement to your photographic repertoire.

The principal problem starting photographers have when experimenting with monotone photography is visualizing a picture with grayscale in mind. Color tone, or contrast, becomes more significant, since the usual color distinctions are lost. The skill of seeing contrast takes some work. One aid in this is to use the Black & White setting on the camera. Even though it isnt any better from the imaging standpoint, since even free photo editors will change images to grayscale and sepia monotones, by using the camera display you can actually see the picture as it will look. This helps in indentifying problems with color tones blending together, undesirable shadowing, and other issues that wouldnt be noticeable in color. Practicing previewing in this way can help educate your eye, and soon you will discern the distinctions without even needing the camera.

With the removal of color, the photographer must look at his prospective shot with new eyes: linear patterns and shadows can be much more striking in black and white than in color. Look for lines and shapes that define the images photos that would be quite ordinary in color take on drama in monotones. The ratio of darks to lights (contrast) affects your shot more significantly as well. Filling an image with soft light can create an otherworldly look. A more somber shot might have a higher ratio of dark space. Try to evoke mood it can often be more easily expressed with the simplicity of black and white.

Black and white portrait photography can produce startling results. The loss of color can mean the loss of many probable defects blemishes, flushes, red noses and the like can fade away, leaving a more flattering shot than one truer to the original subject. Careful lighting can either accentuate features such as wrinkles, or reduce them. Choose the lighting to help show what it is you want to say. Generally, it is best to fill the frame with your subject, unless there is something in the background that is important to the story you are telling about him. Remember, simple images are often the strongest.

Scenery photography can also be more dramatic in black and white. A common problem in photographing far-off points is haze that washes out the colors. This is no difficulty in black and white! Bring out natures drama by using light and dark rather than color. Anyone who has doubts about nature photography in black and white need only look at Ansel Adams work.

Whether youve attempted monotone photography before and havent been delighted, or its a new experience for you, you can learn to take stunning photographs using this technique. The basic elements of good photography are the same composition, contrast, depth of field, focus, lighting, exposure, etc. You just need to to see slightly differently contrast, lighting and exposure have more impact on the final image, and need to be considered more fully. Nonetheless, with some effort (and with digital film there is no need to be stingy about the number of exposures), someday you may find your best photographs to be in black and white.

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