Digital Photography Basics

Digital Photography Basics - Black & White

One of the least explored artistic uses of the digital camera is black and white photography. With a little practice in noticing when it will be effective, shooting photos in black and white can be a rewarding addition to your photographic repertoire.

The principal problem new photographers have when trying out monochromatic photography is knowing how to look at a photo with grayscale in mind. Color tone, or contrast, becomes more critical, since the natural color distinctions are missing. The art of seeing contrast isnt second-nature. One aid in this is to try the Black & White setting on the camera. Although it isnt any better from the imaging standpoint, since even free photo editors can change images to grayscale and sepia monotones, when you change the camera setting, the display changes, letting you actually see the picture as it will be. This helps to spot problems with color tones blending together, unwanted shadowing, and other problems that wouldnt be obvious in color. Practicing previewing in this way can help educate your eye, and soon you will become aware of the distinctions without even needing the camera.

With the removal of color, the photographer must look at his prospective image with new eyes: linear patterns and shadows can be much more striking in black and white than in color. Check for lines and shapes that define the images photos that would be quite ordinary in color take on drama in monotones. The ratio of darks to lights (contrast) influences your shot more significantly also. Filling an image with soft light can create an otherworldly look. A more somber shot might have a higher ratio of dark space. Try to capture mood black and white photography lends itself to atmosphere.

Black and white portrait photography can produce wonderful results. The loss of color can mean the loss of many potential flaws blemishes, flushes, red noses and the like can fade away, leaving a more flattering shot than one closer to the real thing. Careful lighting can either highlight features like wrinkles, or reduce them. Choose the lighting to help show what it is you want to express. Generally, it is best to fill the frame with your subject, unless there is something in the background that is important to the story you are telling about him. Remember, simple images are often the strongest.

Photos of scenery can also be more interesting in black and white. One of the problems in photographing distant points is haze that washes out the colors. This is no difficulty in black and white! Bring out natures drama by using light and dark rather than color. Anyone who has doubts about nature photography in black and white need only look at Ansel Adams work.

Whether youve tried monotone photography before and havent been delighted, or its a new experience for you, you can learn to take stunning photographs this way. The fundamentals of good photography are the same composition, contrast, depth of field, focus, lighting, exposure, etc. You just need to to see slightly differently contrast, lighting and exposure have more impact on the final image, and need to be considered more carefully. However, with some effort (and with digital film there is no need to be frugal about the number of exposures), eventually you may find your favorite photos to be in black and white.

Stretch your creativity by trying out black and white photography with your digital camera. By trying a few simple tips and some practice, you can create stunning portraits, landscapes and artistic images.

At DigitalPhotography4All.com you can find lots of ways to perk up your picture taking experience, even if you're just beginning to "go digital".

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