How to Use Black and White Photography

Color photography was a tremendous invention and has many uses, but this does not mean it made black and white photography obsolete. Black and white photography not only gives pictures a classic and timeless quality, it adds a touch of class. Some photos work equally well in color and black and white, but for most, black and white will either ruin or dramatically improve the image.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Image editing software

1. Shoot in color. Most cameras have a black and white option and this is fine if you're sure you want a black and white picture ,or if you are shooting a landmark and can easily take both color and black and white pictures. However, it's usually best to start in color because you always have the option of converting a picture to black and white later.

2. Convert color pictures to black and white using image editing software. Most image editing programs turn color photography into black and white. Look for a "convert to grayscale" option in your program. This produces results just as good as taking the picture in black and white to begin with and you also have the option to adjust the brightness and contrast.

3. Use black and white photography to remove bright colors, which are a distraction, away from the subject of your photograph. The eye is naturally drawn to bright colors in pictures and if the bright color isn't your subject, the picture loses effectiveness. Converting the picture to black and white makes your subject stand out.

4. Choose black and white photography to highlight texture, shape and emotion. When texture and shape are the most interesting aspects of an image, color is a distraction from these qualities. Emotion is also best portrayed without the distractions of color.

5. Adjust the contrast to perfect your image. Contrast is the difference between light and dark and is adjusted with most image editing software applications. Use high contrast to convey drama and boldness, normal contrast for realism and low contrast to show serenity.

6. Set your camera to a low ISO setting for the best black and white photography. High ISO makes pictures more sensitive to light, but also adds noise. In black and white photography, brightness is easily adjustable and the noise is even more noticeable.