How to Take Great Photos in Black and White
If you’re intent on creating interesting and compelling images on film, there’s nothing like black and white photography. Without a range of colors to distract, these types of monochromatic pictures can more readily expose the true essence of the subject. What’s more, by relying on a range of artistic features such as shadow and light, contrast, range, framing, depth of field and more, the photographer can achieve a stunning impact.
Are you ready to experiment with black and white photography? Here’s what to consider.
Study other monochromatic photos
You can find a ton of inspiration by looking through photographs taken during the time when black and white photography was the norm. Vintage material such as this is fairly readily accessible online. Furthermore, scrolling through modern day black and white images can show you how contemporary photographers are rediscovering the beauty of this approach and offer more food for thought.
Focus on the eyes
Certainly, zeroing in on a subject’s eyes is a fantastic way to get a terrific shot. This is even more important when you’re shooting in black and white. Since the composition is without color, the shapes in the image immediately stand out. This means that focusing on the eyes will make a greater impact.
Look for contrast
Without the use of color, the contrast of black against white and the various shades of grey in between is what can make the photo pop. Silhouettes of people or buildings, for example, in the foreground set against a lighter background can result in a striking shot. Notice, too, the proximity of the lighter and darker parts of your composition to one another and how that can come into play.
Consider textures
Contrast can also be illustrated by incorporating different textures. For instance, think about the smoothness of flowing water against a jagged, craggy rock face, or the smoothness and angularity of a building beside the softness of a flowering plant. Taking close up photos and including patterns that repeat are other methods of employing textures.
Practice different exposures
Black and white photography is the perfect chance to try playing with exposure—the amount of light reaching your film or image sensor on a digital camera. Exposure affects the darkness or lightness of a photograph. An overexposed photo can appear too light and washed out; underexposed images may seem very dark. A good photo strikes a balance between under- and overexposure, but this balance differs for every image and what you as the photographer are trying to convey. Even a very under-or overexposed photo can make an artistic statement. Experiment by taking a series of shots with different levels of exposure and see what feels best with your subject.
Watch the lighting
Light levels can really influence the results you’ll get with black and white photography. When shooting outdoors during the day, be mindful of the type of natural light you have. Photographing when the sun is shining brightly overhead versus during cloud cover will produce different effects. Be mindful, as well, of light from car headlights, neon signs and the like. Usually, you’ll want some level of lighting that allows for some shadow and definition in your images.
Remember the rule of thirds
Composing your picture by following what is referred to as the rule of thirds will help direct the viewer to the focal point of the image. To use this method, imagine three vertical and three horizonal lines intersecting your photo and place the main object of your shot at the point where two of these lines meet. This approach is particularly powerful for black and white pictures.
Experiment with patterns
Patterns are another worthwhile way to enhance your monochromatic photography. It could be a line of trees planted along a neighborhood street, or a picket fence that catches the eye. Although architectural designs can be a excellent source of patterns, the natural world should not be discounted—just think of the spiral of a seashell, the hexagonal pattern of honeycomb, or the veins on a leaf. The trick is to find something with enough repetition that piques the observer’s interest.
Try night shoots
Night photography is a fun option to try with black and white photography. You would be surprised at the amazing, moody images you can create with the night sky or brightly lit city streets—just make sure there’s some source of light. This is where you can also play with different types of exposures.
Choose the right weather for landscapes
Taking landscape photos in black and white demands paying some attention to the weather. Natural light is different depending on the amount of cloud cover, the time of day, whether it’s raining, and other factors. Rather than waiting for exactly the right lighting, see what you can come up with by just going with the current conditions. The result may be a pleasant surprise.
Understand ISO
Whether you’re using a digital camera or cell phone, get to know the ISO number. ISO stands for the International Standards Organization, but the number on your camera doesn’t refer to the organization itself. Rather, ISO is a setting that refers to the degree of sensitivity to light, or the amount of light that is being captured. A higher number means more sensitivity to light. For the best black and white photo outcomes, start with the lowest ISO setting on your camera.
In closing
These days, it’s becoming much easier to get started with black and white photography, and that’s excellent news—this type of photography allows you to get a good feel for the fundamentals of the art form, like contrast, framing, and shadow and light. Even smartphones have various helpful features or apps that can help you take outstanding shots. Grab your camera, go on a walk, and have fun capturing images.