Practical Photography

Since the introduction of colour photography Black and white images became a bit old fashioned, but as with all trends black and white photography is being used more and more today.

A lot of portrait, and wedding photography are picking up on the use of Black and white imagery, it is not as old fashioned as it used to be and with editing toolds can create an amazing and sharp image rather than the grainy pictures often assosciated with black and white photography.

Here’s a few tips for getting it right!

Background

As there are no colours to determin the background from the subject it is important that the background doesn’t distract or blend in with your subject. Try using different angles and moving your subject around, take away any unnecessary elements or subjects from your photograph.

Light and shadow

Light and shadow are the main components to a black and white image so it is very important to utilise them to your benefit. Try taking pictures of the same composition at different times of the day this will highlight how important light and shadow can be to the mood of an image. It is also beneficial to experiment with hard and soft lighting, and different apertures to see the different qualities of light.

Colours

Some vibrant colours are eye catching in a colour picture are likely to get washed out with a black and white photograph.This ca also occur with color combinations such as, red and green, these look striking when put together, but in a black-and-white photograph, the two colors come across as very similar and very dark. You should choose a compostition that is interesting in pattern or shadow and doesn’t rely on colours to make it interesting.

Shapes

Without the use of colour, black and white photography looks best when the photographer uses shapes and lines to compose the image. Straight lines in black and white photography can look modern and architectural but be careful as without shadowthis can also look flat. Slanting lines, crooked lines, and curves can create an interesting image where your eye follows the shapes all around the composition.

Texture

Textures are just as important as shape in black-and-white photography. Different surfaces will have a greater impact on the observer than others, such as the surface of a straw hat compared to that of a baseball cap.

Perspective

Perspective is the photographers best friend but if you don’t know what you are doing it can be your worst enemy as well. It can help you create a narrative, imply relationships, and liven up a subject . You can add intrigue to almost any composition just by taking it from an unusual angle.

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