Black and White

Everyone loves black and white photography, yet not many people attempt it; for some unknown reason it intimidates many beginner photographers. Don't let it; black and white is an amazing way to capture images, it allows you to instantly create an unlikely stunning photograph and in many cases even correct an image simply by turning it in to a black and white photograph.

Remember the piece on simplifying? Well this is no different; keep the clutter out of your frame and you will most likely take a good black and white photograph. However, there are a couple of tips that could come in handy.

For those who have the ability to shoot in RAW, do it. It will allow you a lot more freedom during the processing of your images. However, for those who do not have the ability to shoot in RAW...

Shoot in color; many compact cameras today have the ability to shoot directly to Black and white; avoid it at all cost. You limit your options during processing and remember your image is made up of information (data), the more information you have, the more you can manipulate the image.

The next time you look outside and see a unpleasant overcast and just plain gloomy day, cheer up because that is play time for the black and white photographer. Your photograph is not inundated with interfering shadows and burning light, and is instead complimented by a natural soft-box effect where the overbearing contrasts have been softened with a low contrasting light.

When shooting in black and white, use the lowest ISO possible. When shooting in high ISO mode the noise will become more obvious ( Noise is the “grain” you find in film photographs). However, it is not a completely bad effect if you have some noise in your black and white photograph, just as long as it is a 'smooth grain”.

Keep your eye ready to spot contrast, patterns and texture; remember when you taking photographs in black and white, shadows tend to stand out more, so you will have to use those shadows to your benefit. Making sure they create lines and patterns complimenting your image and using the available sunlight as back or sidelight could help with this.

Landscapes tend to only work well when there is some form of movement within the image, such as running water or flying birds in the distance.

Remember, black and white photography is shooting with emotion, it brings out the reality of the image you trying to capture.

Keep it tight and sharp, enjoy shooting in monochrome.