Why shoot in black and white

Depending upon what software you use, converting to black and white is as easy as one click in most cases. Then I converted the final image to black and white by simply using one of my favorite filter presets. Consider shooting in RAW mode to capture the best image quality. Look for the setting on your camera that allows you to view and shoot in black and white. Once you train your eyes to see in black and white, your black and white photography will improve greatly. Look at your subject in terms of the qualities we explored above: shadows, patterns, textures, and lines.

This will make it easier for you to identify situations which are ripe for black and white photography. Winter is a great time to take black and white images. With winter photography, particularly on an overcast day, there might not seem to be much difference from your original, color image.

After all, on a cloudy day, most of the work regarding color has been decided for you. Street photography involves capturing the human condition in public places. Set your sights on capturing the emotion of the moment and telling the story of what you see — with a single black and white photograph. Whether you shoot in black and white, or convert to black and white afterward, there are a few things you can do to make your black and white images even better using your favorite photo editing software.

You can also reduce the contrast and fade the shadows, providing an underexposed look. Or how about adding some grain for a more authentic film look? If this happens to you, then on the same principles that worked for the first reason in this article—dramatic extremes—monochrome works surprisingly well in strong, harsh lighting. Make a virtue of had light and high contrast, and you can even exaggerate it with impunity in black and white.

Finally, black and white has a valuable and often-overlooked quality. It brings uniformity to a series of images. Series, you may query? So what? Few of us show only one image. We show a number, often in a click-through sequence. One factor is of course to have an entertaining variety, but sometimes, say with a single theme or story, you might want to have the set of images simply hang together as a unit.

Monochrome does this naturally. Worth a thought. Of his many books, which have sold over 4 million copies worldwide, more than 60 titles are on the practice of photography. Join over , photographers of all experience levels who receive our free photography tips and articles to stay current:. Your email address will not be published. We are always looking for more interesting and insightful photography tips and techniques to share with our readers.

We would love to publish an article by you if you are interested in writing for us. See what we are looking for and get in touch. Like This Article? Specifically, there are plenty of distractions that exist in color that simply disappear when converted to black and white. And a distracting red rock in the foreground of a seascape might turn a nice neutral gray following a black and white conversion.

Plus, color itself can take away emphasis on contrast, texture, lighting, shape, and form. Whereas color will simply distract the viewer and prevent them from seeing what the photo is all about. Since the world is in color, it is safe to say that color photography is more realistic and descriptive. A color photo depicts the world as it really is — whereas black and white photos only show a version of reality, one that seems more interpretive and creative. In a sense, this can help you break free from certain restraints.

Ultimately, when you take away color, you remove what your viewer is used to seeing. Do they evoke mood? Do they make you feel something? Why does black and white photography go hand in hand with moodiness?

It creates an emotional connection, and it makes you stop, look around, and pay attention. Of course, not all photos need to emphasize a somber, dramatic mood. For one, black and white photography has existed since the beginnings of photography, which means that a black and white image cannot instantly be dated.