Five Tips for Shooting Better Black & White Photos

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

Athena Teaches: Black & White Fine Art Photography

“I just wanted to thank you for another wonderful class. I have to confess that each week when I read the new assignment, my first reaction was mild panic and a deep certainty that I would not be able to produce anything worthwhile that fit within the parameters you had set. But before I knew it, the ideas started to flow, and I quickly became obsessed (no, that isn’t too strong a word!) with exploring the possibilities. I can honestly say that the photos I produced in response to your assignments are among my favorites. Thanks for bringing out a creative side I didn’t know I had!”

Barbara Geiger
Understanding Color

“Thank you so very much for this course! It’s allowed me to take the blinders off and present my images for what I want them to be without being a slave to the “reality” of the camera. I would also add that in conjunction with your printing course, this has been the most useful course I’ve ever taken. Your notes are more than comprehensive and your comments and critiques are direct, clear, and always directed to the improvement of the art.”

Bill
After the click

” I want to thank you for this class and for your patience and availability to answer all of my questions. I have learned very much through this class. I have used LR in the past, but mostly for editing images. I now have a better grasp in the organization of my images, an even better understanding of editing images, and an understanding of the value of presets. I still have a lot to learn, but this has put me on the road to be able to improve my photography. Again, thank you! ”

Dale Yates
Lightroom Quickstart

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