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As a photographer either professional or hobbyist you may feel that any photograph can be turned into a black and white image. You would be right, they can, however that does not mean that it would be the best image. You as the photographer need to be aware of composition and what components in front of you will be enhanced by the black and white tones.

With camera in hand and an ambition to capture the perfect black and white images keep in mind the

following:

Tonal Range

Black and white photos come in a variety of tonal ranges. A good black and white image embraces those tonal ranges and encourages them to help the viewer move through the image. A viewer’s eye will go to the pure white image first but seek the true black for contrast. If you look at a BW portrait, the white of the eye should be the whitest alongside the depth of the black pupil while the mixture of the iris tones offering interest.

Contrast

Seek settings that offer great contrast. When searching for a good setting consider putting a portrait against a shaded background, while landscapes work well with a dark feature (mountains,trees) alongside a bright blue sky. These features offer a dominant contrast which in turn will make a beautiful black and white photograph.

Texture

Contrast is offered also with textures around you. Pebbles on a path, bricks in a home, the bark of a tree offers textural complexity and visual patterns of shadow and light. Shadows and reflections can be particularly striking in black and white photography, combining these will offer astriking black and white image.

Sharp & Low Noise

As in most photos captured you will want to use the exposure triangle to the

best of the composition. In BW images you will be seeking low noise which equals to a low ISO. You will have to adjust the other settings to meet that need. A small aperture will ensure that all is in focus, but keep in mind a fast shutter will freeze motion. Mix these up to see what works best noting that a change of lens may restrict you in what settings will work best.

Histograms

The graphical representation of the tonal range can be displayed on your camera. Use it if you are in question. It should show few spikes and be evenly exposed. Be sure to adjust and maintain detail and information in your image.

Chasing Light

You will often be faced with multiple light sources and degrees of light. Use them to

your advantage and grasp the spectrum of different shades of gray. This will bring you the tonal ranges that was mentioned earlier.

Composition

Composition cannot be forgotten whether color or BW will be the final image choice.

Rule of Thirds is the best known to sway your viewer’s eye to the elements you want the viewer to follow. The rule of thirds creates a grid of three horizontal lines and three vertical lines, visible through your viewfinder or your camera’s LCD screen. The points where the lines meet are the points of interest, so place the subject on one of those points, off-center toward either the left third or right third of the frame. For more information on Composition, please refer to the related blog: Composition - What Makes it Tick?