Black and White Photography

Black and white photography has always been popular but it is even more fashionable today. Many couples choose to have their wedding pictures taken in black and white and landscapes and nature photos are amazingly detailed when captured as black and white images. Shooting photography using black and white film does require some adjustment and the following ideas can help you achieve just the photos you are looking for.

When filming in black and white, the quality of the camera and equipment is very important. While it may not be essential to have professional quality cameras and equipment you should definitely buy the best quality that you can afford. If you are on a restricted budget, consider purchasing a good quality second-hand camera as opposed to a low quality new camera.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and Ecourse - and get a copy of the free report "The 3 Simplest Tricks To Improve Your Picture Taking - And Anyone Can Do It" First name E-mail address

With a good quality camera, consider the following to help with professional-looking black and white photography:

• Try to see the image in black and white, rather than in the color that you are looking at. If the photograph is remarkable because of the color, such as a fall forest or a beach at sunset, the image may be less striking when viewed in black and white. If, however, the image is a tree in silhouette against a sunset or a leaf floating on a stream the results may be very striking in black and white.
• Portrait photographs are often striking in black and white, as they tend to minimize any minor imperfections of the face. When photographing portraits in black and white be sure to use natural lighting and watch for any shadows on the face that may affect the clarity of the photograph.
• Photographs that focus on a specific central focus often highlight this focus more when in black and white. Emotions and facial expressions are more pronounced in black and white photography as the eye is not distracted by colors.
• Landscapes or cityscapes are often very dramatic when taken in black and white. The contrast between the various surroundings are more detailed and easily noted in black and white images. Use a digital or standard camera with a zoom lens to provide detailed shots of specific aspects of the landscape or skyline to provide a unique photo grouping.
• Use cropping to remove the “extras” from the photo. Remember that the camera lens may capture much more of the surroundings of the image than you actually want. By cropping the photo you can enhance the significance of the subject and eliminate the distractions.
• Use the rule of thirds which indicates that a photo should be balanced between the four focal points created by dividing the picture into nine equal squares, three across the top and three down the sides. This nine-square grid should be balanced with regards to the location of the subjects, the position of the horizon or main focus of the picture. By locating major focus items close to the four central intersection points and keeping the horizon against the bottom intersection line the photo will be pleasing to the eye. Black and white photography can really benefit from the rule of thirds principle to bring aspects of the photo to the center.

Black and white photography is an excellent way to create pictures that evoke strong emotions and show details of everyday objects and items in new and intricate ways.