Tips for Black and White Photos

In the digital age, taking black and white photos still has the power to draw emotion from the viewer. There are many reasons why taking black and white photos is still a good idea: they add emotional drama and power to a picture (as well as concealing clashing colors), and bring out the sharpness and beauty of the objects or people being photographed.

For keen photographers, there is nothing so vital and inspiring as a black and white photo, whether it is a still life or a portrait. Many artistic photographers prefer the power and drama of black and white photos, and amateurs can follow in their footsteps in making plain items look amazing. Whether you are taking pictures of children or still-life photos of the city landscape, black and white pictures can look great.

Experiment with Contrast

One way to achieve powerful black and white photographs is through the use of photographic contrast. The difference between dark and light is especially important in black and white photos, and using high contrast creates very tense and dramatic black and white pictures: this is best used on objects, rather than people, as it can be unflattering. Normal contrast creates the most realistic contrast between black and white; and low contrast places a lot of gray tones: the latter is perfect for shooting people, as it flatters their appearance. Black and white photos often look better with low contrast as it reduces much of the noise, the grainy effect, of high contrast pictures.

Use Patterns

Rather than shooting basic pictures, such as birthday parties or days out, why not take black and white photos of strong patterns: an unfolding rose, a winter tree against a white background: shooting landscapes in black and white can give you breathtaking photos. When taking black and white photos, it is not enough to rely upon focus: try and make the image powerful by taking it from an unusual angle, or with an interesting composition. As well as shapes, black and white can really pick out the texture of an object; try photographing natural objects such as tree bark in black and white. The mind can focus more clearly on black and white images.

Work with Lighting

Good lighting is essential for taking great black and white photos, because it can illuminate shapes, patterns and textures, as well as giving powerful contrast to images. Consider how the light affects your picture, and try and light the scene in a way that enhances your photos. Using side lighting can often help you to produce dramatic and emotive photos, as it can reflect of the edges of an arm or a branch, adding depth and power.

Start with Color

If you have a digital camera, then one way of taking good black and white photos is through the use of color. You can use a color camera to take your photos, and then use the editing suite to change the photo into black and white. If you only have a black and white camera, then try and imagine the shot in black and white before you take it.