In photography, the interplay between light and shadow creates a dynamic canvas that allows you to capture the emotional essence of a moment. One of the most compelling art movements that can be used in black & white photography is Expressionism, which evokes powerful feelings and invites deeper contemplation.
The Roots of Expressionism
Expressionism is an art movement that originated in the early 20th century, primarily as a reaction to the realism that dominated the arts. It sought to convey emotional experiences rather than mere representations of the external world. Artists across various disciplines—painting, literature, theater—began emphasizing subjective experience and emotional truths. In photography, this meant moving away from the straightforward documentation of reality to a more interpretive approach, where the photographer’s feelings and thoughts played a crucial role.
The Power of Black and White
Black and white photography offers a unique lens through which to explore Expressionism. Without the distraction of color, viewers are drawn to the nuances of light, shadow, contrast, and texture. The starkness of black and white can amplify emotions, making the viewer feel the weight of a moment or the isolation of a subject.
The Emotional Depth of Contrast
In Expressionist black and white photography, contrast plays a vital role. High contrast can evoke tension, while softer tones can suggest introspection. Consider the powerful imagery of photographers like Anton Corbin, whose work uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and emotion, transforming ordinary subjects into powerful symbols of human experience.
Subjectivity and Interpretation
One of the hallmarks of Expressionism is its focus on the subjective experience of the artist. In black and white photography, this can manifest through the choice of subject, composition, and lighting. Each decision made by the photographer—whether it’s the angle at which a scene is captured or the way light falls on a face—serves as a reflection of their inner world.
How to Embrace Expressionism in Your Photography
If you’re inspired to explore Expressionism in your own black and white photography, here are some tips to get you started:
Focus on Emotion: Before you even pick up your camera, think about the emotions you want to convey. What feelings do you want to explore? This emotional clarity will guide your choices in subject, composition, and lighting.
Experiment with Light and Shadow: Pay attention to how light interacts with your subject. Use harsh lighting for dramatic shadows or softer light for a more introspective feel. Don’t shy away from experimenting; sometimes the most powerful images come from unexpected lighting conditions.
Embrace Imperfection: Expressionism thrives on the raw and authentic. Don’t aim for technical perfection; instead, look for images that resonate with you emotionally. Grain, blur, and unusual compositions can all enhance the expressive quality of your work.
Edit with Intention: In post-processing, consider how you can enhance the emotional impact of your images. Adjusting contrast, highlights, and shadows can shift the mood of a photograph significantly. Don’t be afraid to play around with filters that emphasize texture and depth.
Tell a Story: Think about the narrative behind your images. What story are you telling through your subject, composition, and lighting? Each photograph should evoke a sense of narrative that resonates with viewers on a deeper level.
Let your emotions guide you
Expressionism in black and white photography offers a profound way to explore and express the complexities of human emotion. By stripping away color, the essence of your subjects can speak and their stories take center stage. So grab your camera, embrace the shadows, and let your own emotions guide you. The world is waiting to see what you have to say.
Whether you’re capturing the raw energy of a bustling street or the quiet solitude of a lone figure, remember: every click of the shutter is a chance to express not just what you see, but how you feel. Happy shooting!
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“I rarely speak out with this level of enthusiasm for any of our instructors because ALL of our instructors are equally great in teaching their individual craft, so why have I chosen to call attention to one of our instructors, Brit Hammer? Simply because of Brit’s ability to transform each of her students’ vision from good to great consistently, time and time again; in part because of her insightful lessons, but I can say unequivocally that Brit’s greatest strength is her in-depth and disarming critique style of each student’s weekly assignments. It is the most often comment I receive from BPSOP students: ‘Brit’s critiques were the greatest value in this course. The assignments were great, BUT the critiques were by far the most valuable!’ In closing, if you have yet to take a class from Brit, consider filling the ‘void’ with the best opportunity to grow your photography in ways you have perhaps never imagined!“ — Bryan F. Peterson
