How to Look at Black & White Photography

Black and white photography depends on highlights and shadows to portray artistic elements like texture.

Studying well-done black and white photography is a key way to improve your own technique. Black and white photography, also known as monochrome, emphasizes lighting and subject matter to draw in viewers in the absence of color. Paying attention to several key elements of outstanding black and white photography will give you insight on how to make better images during your next shoot.

Instructions

1. Take note of the subject matter of the images you study. The black and white medium tends to help viewers reconsider the nature of everyday objects. The mundane can be portrayed as a work of art, and a sense of nostalgia can be created. Look at a wide range of black and white image subjects, and imagine how they would look in color and whether the images would have as much power. This will help you choose subjects specifically for monochrome photography.

2. Evaluate the amount of contrast that is in the black and white image and the artistic implications it holds. Contrast is the difference between the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows. High-contrast images tend to be dramatic and artistic, with subjects that are intellectually provocative and challenging. Low-contrast images tend to hold a less dramatic tone and are often used to capture sentimental moments.

3. Learn the terms "low-key" and "high-key" when studying black and white photography. Low-key monochrome images have a darker overall style, dominated by darker tones. High-key images are made of mostly lighter tones. Apply these terms to photographs you view to better understand their style.

4. Notice the lighting style of the monochrome images and the way it affects their composition. With no color to draw the eye, lighting becomes the driving force of a black and white picture. Lighting creates texture, line and shape with highlights and shadows. Observe the way lighting portrays these elements with varying tones of black, white and gray.

5. Make your best guess as to what type of lighting was used to create the images you study. Soft light comes from dawn, dusk or overcast skies and creates soft, undefined shadows. Soft lighting can be reproduced with artificial light masked in a large soft box or umbrella. Hard light comes from late morning to midday sun. It creates bright highlights and well-defined shadows. Hard light is reproduced artificially with small light sources such as light bulbs or bare camera flashes. Knowing these different lighting styles will help you choose the lighting for your next shoot with more insight.

References

• Stare Photography: Black & White Photography Tutorial
• Kodak: What Works in Black and White
• Basic Photography Tips: Black White Photography Tips