One of the least understood creative 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 rewarding supplement to your photographic repertoire.
The chief difficulty newbie photographers have when trying out black and white photography is visualizing a scene with grayscale in mind. Color tone, or contrast, becomes more critical, since the natural color distinctions are missing. Training yourself to detect color intensity isnt second-nature. 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 admirably convert images to grayscale and sepia monotones, when you change the camera setting, the display changes, letting you actually see the photo as it will look. This helps to spot problems with color tones merging, undesirable shadows, and other problems that wouldnt be visible in color. When you preview in this manner you help educate your eye, and soon you will discern the distinctions even without the camera.
Without colors, the photographer must look at his prospective image with new eyes: linear patterns and shadows can be much more striking in black and white than in color. Check 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) influences your shot more drastically as well. To create a delicate sense, you can fill the image with light area, creating an otherworldly look. Look to use dark area to create a moody photograph. Try to capture mood black and white photography lends itself to atmosphere.
Black and white portrait photography can produce wonderful results. The loss of color can mean the loss of many probable flaws blemishes, flushes, red noses and the like can fade away, leaving a more flattering shot than one closer to the original subject. Careful lighting can either highlight features such as wrinkles, or reduce them. Work with your lighting to help show what it is you want to express. 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.
Photos of scenery can also be more dramatic in black and white. One of the problems 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 contrast 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 thrilled, or its a new experience for you, you can learn to take stunning photographs in this manner. The basic elements of good photography are the same composition, contrast, depth of field, focus, lighting, exposure, etc. You just need to learn to see slightly differently contrast, lighting and exposure have more effect on the final image, and need to be considered more carefully. However, with some practice (and with digital film there is no need to be frugal about the number of exposures), someday you may find your best photos to be in black and white.
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