If you are like me and you love black and white photography then hopefully you will find this quick list of black and white photography tips helpful.
Shoot in Raw format
No matter whether I’m shooting for colour or black and white I almost always shoot in raw format because this allows you to capture the maximum detail and have the greatest ability to edit your images in post processing. Even if you use your cameras black and white mode shooting in raw allows you to retain all the colour information too.
Convert to black and white in post processing not in camera
The reason behind this is that generally your computer and software will do a lot better job of creating your black and white images, giving you far more control over how the final photo looks.
Software like Adobe Lightroom 3 and Nik silver efex Pro can help you to create beautiful black and white images easily and quickly.
Shoot on cloudy days
A lot of landscape photographers dont particularly like grey overcast days but they can be fantastic for creating interesting black and white images. Even better are stormy days where clouds are racing overhead. These clouds can help to give black and white images great drama.
Keep to a low ISO setting
Using the lowest ISO (for more info on camera settings see my camera settings guide) possible to retain image quality and avoid noise. Sometimes a little grain can add to the character of a black and white image but it’s best to add this later rather than have a noisy image.
Composition is Key
Composition is one of the most important elements in any photography but this is particularly true of black and white photography because you can not rely on vivid colours to make your shot interesting. Therefore pay particularly close attention to your composition. For more tips on composition you can check out some of my landscape photography tips
Hi, David! Thank you. Honestly, I’m just focusing on the subject ( hoping I could nail a decent black and white photo) so far- no luck. Now, I cant wait to grab my camera and try your tips!
Hi Lucas,
If you use these tips then you should have a great chance, just keep practising and I’ve no doubt you will get the shots you want. Black and white can be hard to do well but it’s very rewarding when you get it right
Hi,Mr Fleet! i am a Rwandese undergraduate in Creative Design where we are introduced to Photography1 and Photography2. hope,then your website will help me. and feel really honored to comment about something!
Hi Bruno, good luck with your course.