September 2025

Black & White Photography TIPS _____________________________________________ Color indeed changed photography for the better as it added another element into our creative world but most pros still value and even shoot strictly in B&W. Think about it, to date, some of the most timeless and powerful images were captured in B&W. Seeing the world in Black and White: Any color image can be converted to B&W but that does not mean all color images should be. When I shoot for color I keep my result in color. However, there are many times that although I shoot in color, I know my final result will be B&W. So how do I see B&W in a color world? I look past the color and focus on the highlights, shadows, contrast, tones, bends, and details of what I am focused on. With practice, you can start to see our color world in B&W. Contrast is Everything: Contrast is the scale or ratio between the shadows and the highlights of an image. This difference is what creates textures and focus. High contrast will help your focal point stand out by utilizing the balance of the dark shadows in ratio to the highlights. Creating intense deep textures and separation (example #1 and #2). Low contrast blends light and dark areas with a lot of middle tones or gray areas (example #3). It will make the B&W photo look soft or flat by excluding extreme highlights and shadows and using more grays to fill the space. This can leave a dull or a matte finished look. Learn to spot Shapes, Forms, and Texture: When you disregarding color, you will need to change how you see the world. It is important to look for shapes, forms, texture, and patterns to keep your story is interesting. Strong shapes with significant contrast make your subject jump from the page. Let’s use the bridge as an example. I was able to photograph upwards which allowed me to use the white clouds (highlights) against the dark bridge (shadows). This made my intentional subject become the focal point. Looking for interesting shapes and extreme contrast draws your audience into your photo and tells a clear story. Forms (along with shapes) are essential. It is what makes your photo interesting and connects your audience. Whether the light is flowing along the body of a beautiful woman with an hourglass figure, an old industrial chimney standing alone, or stop sign. Familiar forms help your audience relate to your story. Look for textures such as the tunnel. There is beautiful light traveling through this aged tunnel lighting up all of the amazing textures on the walls and road. Texture can add depth and draws the viewing into the image (this photo is also using leading lines. For more information, please see my article in the November 2019 edition named “Composition”). Look for texture in old bridges, trees, boats, houses or anything that has been weathered. I find these are always the best textures to photograph. In a color world, make sure to look for contracts, shapes, forms, and texture when shooting for B&W. Combining these important elements help create a visually stunning and timeless photograph. Example #1 Example #3 Example #2 www.richtaylorphotography.com FB: @richtaylorphotography rich@richtaylorphotography.com IG: @richtaylorphoto