Black and white photography is the art of using tones of grey that range from black to white. An excellent black and white photo ‘pops’.

You can’t rescue a bad-color image by simply making it black and white, even though this often appears to be the popular approach. A photo taken in the harsh midday sun is a good example.

You need a good reason to photograph in black and white, so think black and white before you start.

Black and white and monochrome are often considered two terms for the same thing. They aren’t. So, even though these words are used interchangeably, the terms are not identical.

Monochrome means one colour, so monochrome images can have a colour like sepia or blue. True black and white photos have no colour; they are entirely black, grey, and white.

Why not shoot in black and white in camera? Colour images converted to black and white give you more flexibility. For example, you can darken the blue channel to make a sky appear darker in a black and white image.

The best black and white photos make use of 7 elements:

1. Shadows are a major element in composition. Are the shadows black, creating a feeling of intensity or destroying the image with no detail? Are the shadows subtle and detailed, making for a complex image?

2. Contrast is the difference between a photo's brightest and darkest points. A photo with high contrast conveys dynamic intensity, thus helping the image to pop. Low contrast images can work just as well, creating a muted quality. In essence, the level of contrast needs to be in context with the image itself.

3. Tone refers to the underlying brightness, darkness, and shades of grey in an image. High-key and low-key photos use tones in extreme ways. Remember that the tones must harmonise with the subject, thus telling the story you want to tell.

4. Shapes. Every photo is a collection of shapes; if the image has no colour, we must recognise it by its shape. Silhouettes are a good example of this. Shapes are one of the primary ways for a viewer to make sense of the photo.

5. Texture can affect a photo’s mood and emotion. Harsh textures can create intense images, while smoother textures can lead to a sense of calm and balance. Therefore, texture is very important in creating an impact in a black and white image.

6. Composition. Images require structure and order, giving them a sense of purpose. Composing a photo in black and white differs from composing a photo in colour. You need to think about the scene and the story you wish to tell. It can be difficult to see a colour photo in black and white, but you need to think about it in black and white as you compose. Thinking and seeing in black and white will help make the composition stronger.

7. Emotion. How does the photo grab your a?enCon? Does it have an impact? Do your eyes linger? Emotion results from all the other six tools working together to create a complete image.

Amanda Luker July 2023