- Shoot in RAW. Shooting in JPG allows the camera to process the image for you, making choices without your consent and compromising data in the file that you may need later for a better BW conversion.
- Pay very close attention to composition. With color removed from your image, other elements become even more important. A poor composition can’t be saved by a pretty color when there is none.
Large pebbles on the Borneo coast.
- Choose a subject. This sounds obvious, but sometimes it is difficult. A scene has so many good things and you want them all. Including everything in your frame will only dilute the message. Instead, consider taking a photo of each strong item on it’s own, using composition to accentuate it separately.
- Don’t be afraid of shadows. Not only are shadows a part of our everyday life, and therefore expected, they can add a lot of drama to your BW images. Composed properly, they can even become a powerful subject in your frame! Don’t feel you have to expose to obliterate them.
Lighthouse on Folly Island
- Look for tonal contrasts. Without tonal contrasts, BW conversions turn to a grey mush. The contrasts don’t have to be severe, they just need to be there. It’s easy for us to see them in BW, without the distraction of color, but even color have tones.
For an in depth explanation of each of these tips and much more, join our Black and White Fine Art Photography class.
Fitzerald Marine Reserve, California
– BPSOP Instructor: Athena Carey
