I have fond memories of shooting in black and white film then anxiously waiting while the negatives were developed. I also recall the anticipation, the excitement and often the disappointment it brought too!
The Black & White Photography Project was devised to embrace the wonderful world of monochrome regardless of what we use to achieve it. What a fitting start to kick off with a post on how to create better black & white photographs.
Shoot in RAW
Many of us take photographs in colour occasionally converting them to black and white. Those of you with a camera may have heard about shooting in RAW. It’s a file format that captures all the image data without compressing it. It enables you to produce higher quality images and correct problem images that you’d not be able to recover in JPEG format. You can read about RAW vs JPEG here and understand the benefits of RAW here.
Shoot in colour
If you don’t have a camera with RAW or you use your mobile, there are plenty of ways to convert your images. Pic Monkey is a excellent editing tool plus there’s Instagram and numerous photographic apps including Snapseed. Most digital cameras offer a black and white function but you have more options available when you edit if you shoot in colour. You can read more about this here.
Shoot with a low ISO
You may do this already but shooting with the lowest ISO produces the least amount of noise/grain. The smallest amount of noise will show up like a flashlight and it’s harder to alter post production. You can read more about ISO settings here.
Best time to shoot
Low contrast situations are perfect for black and white photography so embrace the outdoors on those gloomy days! Fog and mist all have the potential to create soft interesting images.
Composition
Our eyes see in colour but for black and white photographs it’s important to see the world in tones of grey. We need to think about shapes, patterns and textures rather than what takes our eye.
Contrast
As you’re not using colour to distinguish one part of your image for another, variances in tone are more important. There’s no need to look out for stark contrasts but they will come into play when composing a photograph.
Light
Lighting is also significant. Direct lighting will often add to the contrast while side lighting will reveal the texture. Light from any direction will create shadows. Light can add interest but also be distracting.
Shapes, patterns and tones
Shapes can come alive in a black and white photograph creating a bolder image. Tonal variations can cause an added dimension as can striking patterns and textures. Architecture can create interesting results.
Landscapes
If you want to shoot landscapes, look out for dramatic skylines and interesting cloud formations. Skies can add mood and dynamism.
Filters
Coloured filters have long been associated with black and white photography. A red filter for example can turn a blue sky almost black. Most cameras have this function already built in so you can experiment without purchasing filters. A polariser can also be used to heighten or lessen contrast whereas a neutral density filter allows extended shutter speeds in bright conditions.
Click here to join week #1 of the Black & White Photography Project
[…] This week we’re sharing tips on how to create better black and white photographs. […]
[…] Read the rest of the post at its original source by clicking here. […]
Fantastic tips Charly, rally looking forward to this project x
Great shots and tips!
I love black and white photography so I’m really glad you’ve started this linky.
Looking forward to looking at all the great photographs! 🙂
Great tips and I will be using them to shoot better black and white photos, your photos are stunning as are is the subject. Just beautiful 🙂
Really good advice Charly. The one thing I miss about my DSLR is shooting in RAW (oh, and the flexibility of lenses!)
Fabulous tips and beautiful photos. Will be taking this advice on board 🙂
Thanks for these tips, this was the type of post I was after in the week when I tweeted. Perfect. I hadn’t thought about the ISO settings so thanks for that.
Love the photo of Pod eating, her eyes looks so intense.
What a great tip on the ISO setting thank you !
Great tips and wow…I have not shot RAW in a long time! I may just start doing again! Thanks for the great post/tips hun! x
Fabulous photos, useful tips too, thank you x
Great tips and a great idea for a linky
i love this project honey 🙂
Excellent tips! And some gorgeous photos too.
Brilliant tips – I shall be referring to this! Such beautiful images. Thanks for opening a great linky xx
Really great new project Charly! I had great fun trying out various shots today although I basically let my camera do the work for me! It is a Sony RX100 – so not a DSLR but the next best thing. I think you can take RAW images with it and you can certainly fiddle about with ISO metering, etc,, but I wouldn’t have a clue right now…
These are fab tips. B&W are my favourite photos and these were so useful.
PS I showed my mum the photo of POD and hubby in the water. Her response? When you start taking photos as good as that, can I have a copy? Parents eh??? I knew what she meant!!!
Dreamy photos and some brilliant tips (that I’ve totally bookmarked for future reference!)
[…] such great fun, such variety in the photographs we choose too. I keep referring back to the black and white photography tips in an attempt to get […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post, with or without words, featuring a black and white photograph. You can link up a collection of black and white photographs too if you prefer. The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] The photograph/s can be from any time – old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. Don’t forget to share on Instagram using […]
[…] the positive responses received from my first B&W post I thought I’d read up on how to create better black and white photographs and give Charly’s B&W photography challenge another go this week. So here […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] To join in with the Black & White Photography Project, just link up a short post featuring a black and white photograph or black and white photographs. The photograph/s can be from any time – both old and new are welcome. You’ll find a post on how to create better black and white photographs here. […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]
[…] so you can pick and choose what you want to share. If you new to black and white photography, check out these tips which will give you a steer on what you can do. Most important is just having fun with it! Don’t […]