Tips & Techniques To Capture Timeless Black & White Images

Black and white photography has become such a unique photography form that holds significant modern and historical value. With centuries of history, this photography technique plays an integral role in shaping the photography culture we are so familiar with today.

Hence, it is crucial to be aware of both its history and uses in order to appreciate the art form further. In this post, we will discuss all you need to know about black-and-white photography.

What is black and white photography? 

In a technical aspect, black and white photography refers to the process of producing black and white photographs through the fixing of light patterns on sensitive surfaces. To put it simply, this photography form captures what we see in black and white.

History of black and white photography

This form of photography is one of the oldest and original types of photography. For over a century, most cameras were just black-and-white production. While such cameras have since faded out, there are still moments when such images are preferred. Here is a look at the various eras of black-and-white photography:

• Early: In 1824, the first successful mention of the photographic process was through Nicephore Niepce’s heliography. It was not until 1838 that the first commercial photo was released through Louis Daguerre’s invention of the daguerreotype. 

• Heyday: As the art of photography evolved, so did its use. By the 1860s, photography had expanded from portraits to landscapes and war scenes. Over the years, black and white photography influenced culture through prints, politics, and advertising.

• Present day: With the advancement in technology, colour was introduced into modern cameras, and black and white images faded out. However, it is still a popular format for many photographers. 

Why shoot in black and white? 

With the invention of coloured photographs, many might wonder if it is necessary to shoot in black and white. However, there are specific situations that demand the need for black-and-white photography. Here are some reasons why such a format is still popular today:

• Aged effect: Many photographers enjoy shooting in black and white to achieve the aged effect, especially when there are lots of textures involved. 

• Creativity: Every photographer aims to break the norm. Black and white photography enables photographers to be creative in ways that coloured photographers might not be able to offer. 

• Expertise: Shooting black and white photographs demands a different skill set. In fact, photographers who specialise in such a format emphasise the ability to train their eyes to adapt to the direction of light, quantity, and quality when shooting.

When to shoot in black and white? 

As mentioned earlier, photographers normally shoot in black and white when they are considering the following situations:

• They wish to emphasise image texture, form, or lighting 

• They are looking to make a particular statement

Shooting black and white images help viewers to focus on the photographs rather than the lighting. How so? To put it simply, colours can be distracting. Having one colour off-hue can steer the mood of the image in another direction. Hence, many photographers choose to shoot in black and white to eliminate the possibility of distractions. 

When you shoot in black and white, you are able to elevate the image form. By removing colour from the equation, you are more free to focus on textures, shadows, and shapes, giving you more room for an artistic approach. 

Types of black and white photography

There are many types of photos that can be shot in black and white, each producing a specific effect.

• Portrait: The initial use of black and white photography was shooting portraits, and it still is the most common form of black and white photography even today. 

• New-born: Looking at someone without any coloured distraction can create a stronger emotional connection. Black and white photographs allow you to focus on the key elements of the photograph. 

• Cityscapes and landscapes: While it may seem funny to capture cityscapes and landscapes without the element of colour, it allows viewers to focus on the image composition and light contrasts. 

• Fashion: Modern black and white photography continues to be a huge aspect in the world of fashion, allowing photographers to emphasise the mood and emotion of the fashion piece rather than the visual appeal of the outfit.

Tips for shooting in black and white 

1. Think in black and white

Though it can be hard to remove colour when we view the world, it is a unique skill set to develop in order to shoot impactful black-and-white photographs. You will not be able to achieve quality and impactful photographs if you are not able to see contrasts, shadows, and shapes in black and white. 

2. Choose your equipment wisely 

There is a saying in photography, “It is not the gear. It is the photographer.” While that is true, having a good camera helps you fight the battle. In order to get the most out of your shot, consider using a proper camera. However, that being said, if you are not producing the images professionally, then do not be afraid to shoot black-and-white photographs from your phone. Most mobile devices are not equipped with excellent cameras. 

3. Adjust your settings

Make sure to choose the right aperture before shooting, helping you to determine the amount of contrast between the background and your subject. In general, especially for portraits, you want your subject to stand out while your background is soft, achieving a bokeh effect.

4. Consider lighting

There are many things to note when taking photos. One of which is lighting. Lighting is vital in black-and-white photography as it sets the attitude, tone, and mood.

5. Pose

To get the most out of your black-and-white images, your subject’s pose is vital. With the combination of good lighting, the pose can determine what the end results are, like the casting of shadows and the play of depth of field.

Conclusion

There is a lot to know about black-and-white photography. With much practice, you can pick up such a unique art form seamlessly. Nevertheless, if you are looking to get a professional black-and-white portrait shot, then consider Crio Collective.

We are a professional photoshoot studio in Singapore that provides not only quality photography services but also photoshoot studios for rent. For more information, head over to https://www.crio-collective.com/ today!