So what's so special about BLACK and WHITE?
October 7th 2008 22:42
It sounds like something only professionals would do doesn't it? You know, specialized equipment, access to a darkroom, enlarger, chemicals, developing tanks and many hours spent under the red light, more time than taking the picture.
But, NO, not any more, not since the advent of the digital camera.
And especially a computer loaded with that best of digital equipment, Adobe Photoshop, BLACK AND WHITE is now well within the province of the average photographer.
This is a simplified way of seeing the world, and lets you concentrate on composition and image and the quality of light.
By concentrating simply on highlights and shadows, on textures and forms black and white photography can be more real and more confrontational than colour, it focuses in to encourage you to think about the image it presents.
My post on the dirty thirties shows the value of such photography for social commentary.
A good black and white photograph can make you look twice, leaving lasting memories long after you have moved on to the next image. The memory will stay there, in your mind.
OK, so what you do is take a colour photo and then turn it into black and white on your computer, right?
Sorry, WRONG!
You need to try and picture the world with the color removed,searching for highlights and shadows, bright and dark areas, shapes and forms and all in terms of the various shades of grey that lie between the essentially BLACK AND WHITE.
This mental shift will allow you to take better photos and your overall photography will improve, not just your black and white shots.
With practice you will be able to "read the world" as the black and white sees it, and do remember, your photos will always appear differently from what you have seen and think you have captured, you are translating the 3D images of your eyes to the flat 2D image in your finished product, disappointment, with practice, will turn to delight.
See how you go!
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Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
I love black and white photographs. I feel they capture the real essence of the moment as well as the emotions.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
I'm glad you liked the tips.
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
B&W is all about composition. There are a few people who can imagine how something will look in shades of gray but those are few. BUT if you REALLY want to learn photography, I think you have some time shooting B&W.
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
wise words, James