The earliest photographs were taken in the 19th century and due to the rudimentary technology that the early photographers used to capture images only allowed them to create black-and-white prints. However, as camera technology and film production processes advanced, it became clear that color photographs were entirely possible — yet still, many photographers preferred to focus on black-and-white portrait photography and black-and-white landscape photography. Today, black-and-white photography is considered an artistic medium that yields dramatic and poignant images.
Why Black and White Photography Endures
Perhaps because black-and-white images were once the standard, something about these timeless images is particularly appealing. Avid photographers and amateur enthusiasts alike find themselves drawn to black-and-white images, often citing that they are more thought-provoking or insightful than their colorful counterparts.
Just a couple of the reasons why black-and-white photography continues to appeal to so many seasoned and aspiring photographers include:
Simplicity and Emotional Depth
By creating an image that showcases a subject and background in shades of gray, the photographer eliminates distractions from the image’s message. The most iconic black and white photographs are known for their sheer simplicity and emotional depth, allowing those who are viewing the photograph to fully absorb the subject of the image and the subsequent meaning. Although color images may look more lifelike, some believe black-and-white images can better convey emotion.
Timeless Aesthetic
One of the words most frequently used to describe black and white is “timeless.” Capture magazine notes that they are described this way because the first photographs were taken in black and white. There is simply something powerfully nostalgic about looking at a black-and-white image, and many photographers are attracted to that classic look for their images.
Key Elements of Stunning Black and White Photography
Black and white photography requires photographers to do more than take a snapshot to create a compelling and intriguing image. Knowing the key elements required to create stunning black-and-white images can help you work toward perfecting your own unique photography style.
The Role of Light and Shadow
Light and shadow play a pivotal part in creating black-and-white images, largely because you are relying solely on light and shadow to convey the meaning behind your image. In the absence of color, light, and shadow will define the tone and mood of a photograph.
Light and shadow can impact a black-and-white image by:
- Attracting the viewer to particular aspects of the image. The direction of the light, along with whether it’s natural lighting or artificial lighting, will determine which parts of the image are most interesting to the viewer.
- Setting the tone and mood for the photograph. High-contrast photography, for example, can result in breathtaking images, while black-and-white photos shot in softer light may feel more romantic or breezy.
Composition in Monochrome
Effective composition is critical when shooting in black and white. According to the North American Nature Photography Association, these black-and-white photography tips can help improve the composure of your images:
- Prioritize shadows. When shooting in color, shadows may detract from the overall image — but with black-and-white photography, these shadows can allow you to create a specific tone and mood for your image.
- Compose your image in a way that highlights the range of lighting in a given area. You will want plenty of contrast to create a compelling and memorable image.
- Emphasize simplicity within your photograph. The most effective black-and-white images are those that focus on a single subject, giving the viewer plenty to ponder as they absorb the meaning behind the image itself.
- Take advantage of patterns. Patterns are preferred in abstract black-and-white images, providing photographers with plenty of opportunity to get creative and even have a bit of fun when composing their images.
Techniques for Creating Striking Black and White Images
No matter if you plan to specialize in black-and-white street photography or minimalist black-and-white photography, it’s ideal to know the leading techniques for creating powerful and striking monochrome images. By employing these strategically and intentionally, you can create black-and-white images that shed light on your subject and evoke emotion in your viewers.
Understanding Tonal Range
According to the Photography Project, the tone of an image is determined by the darkness or brightness of the final photograph. You can adjust your image’s tone by setting the exposure. Understanding the tonal range enables you to create a specific mood for your image, which plays a major role in how your image is perceived by the viewer.
Post-Processing for Black and White
Editing black and white photos is distinctly different from editing color images. When it comes to black-and-white images, you should focus on the range of gray tones as well as the contrast, ensuring that your subject pops and the specific details are highlighted within the image.
You can improve your post-processing for black-and-white photographs by:
- Choosing an editing software that has tools for editing black-and-white photos. (Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are two popular editing tools for amateur and professional photographers, including those who specialize in monochrome photography.)
- Prioritizing editing tools that enhance the contrast of the image. Contrast is central to determining the overall mood of a photograph.
- Avoiding over-processing. Most black-and-white photographs, when properly composed, do not require significant editing.
Filters and Effects for Monochrome Photography
On the surface, taking black-and-white images may seem simple as the photographs are defined by the absence of color. However, black and white photographers regularly rely on a surprising number of color filters. The following are among some of the best black-and-white photography tips for beginners for choosing filters:
- If you are only going to put one filter for your black-and-white photographs, choose the UV filter. This filter eliminates UV light, ultimately making details in the distance look sharper and clearer. As a bonus, this filter can help protect your lens, too.
- If you plan to specialize in black-and-white landscape photography, consider using the graduated filter. Known in the industry as a grad filter, this filter will ensure that the sky and land receive balanced light. The sky appears naturally brighter than the land, but this filter can help you darken the appearance of the sky without diminishing the landscape.
The Versatility of Black and White Photography
One significant benefit of black-and-white photography is its versatility; it offers photographers the creative freedom they crave to create compelling and insightful images.
Portraits in Black and White
Artsper Magazine notes that black-and-white portrait photography can evoke emotions in a way that color photographs cannot. The nostalgic feel of black-and-white photography gives monochrome portraits a timeless appeal, allowing these portraits to stand out on a gallery wall in a museum or on display in a personal living space. Relying on the top black-and-white portrait photography tips and techniques, you can create dramatic and distinguished images.
Landscapes and Cityscapes in Monochrome
Landscape and cityscape photographers have long preferred black-and-white images, largely because black-and-white photography techniques enable them to capture the atmosphere and emotion of the landscape while eliminating distractions from the photographs. City skylines, in particular, look excellent in black and white because the gray tones highlight the details in the buildings and bridges that define the skyline.
Street Photography and Storytelling
Photographers who are focused on depicting everyday life in public spaces often find that black-and-white photography can capture an unprompted moment in real-time and showcase it artfully. Black-and-white photography is ideal for candid storytelling because it allows for consistency in the images, creates a sense of timelessness, and adds a sense of elegance and nostalgia to modern moments.
Famous Black and White Photographers for Inspiration
Aspiring black-and-white photographers can explore the black-and-white portrait techniques of these famous photographers for inspiration:
Florestine Perrault Collins
Born around the turn of the 20th century in New Orleans, Florestine Perrault Collins was a groundbreaking photographer who shattered racial and gender barriers to practice her craft. Collins began learning about photography around the age of 14 and had to lie about her race as an African-American to begin an apprenticeship. However, when she completed her training, she opened a studio and openly advertised herself as an African-American photographer. Her studio specialized in black and white portrait photography.
Henri Cartier-Bresson
According to The International Center for Photography, Henri Cartier-Bresson was a documentary-style photographer who specialized in black and white images. He is known for his poetic style, in which he attempted to capture spontaneous yet meaningful images that showcased “the decisive moment.”
Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange is perhaps one of the most famous black-and-white photographers of the modern era. According to the Museum of Modern Art, Lange was a Depression-era photographer who captured captivating and heartbreaking images of the impact of the Great Depression on Americans around the country. While her pictures were artful and inspiring, her true goal was to incite social change during this tumultuous period.
Learn How to Shoot in Black and White at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Whether you are interested in classic black-and-white photography or high-contrast photography, at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, you can explore this niche medium and develop the skills needed to succeed in this creative field. We offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography degree as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography degree, both of which cover black-and-white photography techniques. Request more information about our on-campus and online degree programs today.
