How to Take Black and White Photos

A black and white photo can tell a story that a photo rendered in color simply cannot. How do the professionals do it? With an artistic eye, they look for the elements they know will stand out with black and white printing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine how you will take the photo. With many digital cameras, you can shoot in black and white, convert black and white photos from color, or use the gray scale feature on your printer to print from color. With a 35 mm camera, your options may be fewer, but knowing in advance that you are shooting in black and white can yield a better result.

2. Decide on your subject. Portraits of people can have a timeless quality in black and white, especially those of children and babies. Or go for a dramatic landscape shot. Black and white film can pick up contrasts and textures you might not see in a color photo.

3. Compose your shot. If you're taking a portrait, make sure that people are dressed simply (no prints). For other shots, look for interesting lines, angles, curves or shadow plays that you can highlight in black and white.

4. Pay attention to perspective, which can help your photos tell a story. If you're photographing a child, crouch down for an eye-level shot or aim slightly upwards so he can look "big."

5. Eliminate clutter from the shot. By moving your subjects slightly right or left, you can leave out some random element that would detract from the focus of the shot.

6. Consider the light, one of the most important factors when taking a black and white photograph. Is there enough light to get the result you are looking for? If you're relying on natural light, try different times of day and weather conditions. A bright day can create striking shadows, while a cloudy day can evoke a dreamy mood.

Resources

• Hewlett-Packard
• Art Symmetry
• Blackboard Arts