How to Take Black and White Photographs

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Despite the explosion of digital cameras, black and white photography is far from dead. Many people still enjoy the distinctive feel of black and white photos. In this how to you will learn how to create black and white photos that stand out from their color counterparts.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Digital or film camera

Step1

Select the camera you would like to use. While a digital camera may be your first choice don't rule out using a 35 mm film camera. Black and white film can be chosen for the grain it provides in the final print, and this can add to the look of your image.

Step2

Select a scene or subject suitable for a black and white photo. Some subjects are better suited for black and white images. The lack of color often will cause the person looking at the photo to focus more on the subject than if the image had been made in color. This is why many portraits are done in black and white. Subjects with strong contrast, color differences and leading lines are highly recommended.

Step3

Experiment with composition and lighting when making your black and white images. Tones are the crux of black and white photography and the light available when making your photography is what defines these tones. Use what light you have available to create a range of tones as well as define your subject. Try to compose your subject is a way that keeps the viewer's eyes on the intended subject rather than other elements in the photo.

Step4

Process your images. If your digital camera shoots images in black and white you now have a black and white image. However some digital cameras do not have a mode for black and white and software must be used to remove the color from the image. If you are shooting with film you can develop your negatives at home or use a local lab. Black and white processing is still available as most major photo labs.