The beauty of black and white photography is its versatility across diverse lighting and weather conditions.
From harsh, directional light to low, diffused illumination, and everything in between – sunny days, overcast skies, and mixed lighting – this medium adapts remarkably well.
This inherent flexibility enables you to explore a wide range of photographic genres, from landscape and portraiture to architectural and abstract styles.
The B&W set is captured with an 85mm lens, on different days and years. I would like to share the creative progress with you.
Did you envision them as black and white before you took the shots?
Well, the first shot of the smoke was intentionally black and white. The bird and dandelion shots were creative decisions made during editing.
Composition
Shot #1 facing right
Shot #2 facing left
Shot #3 facing forward
The cropping of the image is determined by the subject’s movement and facing direction.
– Lighting –
Shot #1
To draw the focus on the puff of smoke, I need a black background. So I moved around to find the right angle, where the light hit the subject from the side. The subject’s gray hair also worked well for a black-and-white shot.
Shot #2
I followed a little egret as it flew low, hunting for fish. I noticed an interesting triangle-shaped shadow in the background, which would work well in black and white, where the contrast of the white egret against the dark background would stand out.
Shot #3
I’ve taken many dandelion photos in the past. This time, I found a perfectly round and fluffy dandelion. The soft light allowed me to try some macro shots. I decided to convert this to black and white to emphasize its softness.
– Timing –
I used continuous shooting mode to capture a sequence of action and pick the perfect moment in post.
Shot #1
I wanted the puff extending from left to right
Shot #2
I waited for the moment when its gesture aligned with the triangle-shaped background.
With good lighting, we can use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action. In low light situations, we will need to use a slower shutter speed to let more light in.
– Processing –
Showcasing Intricate Details
Without the distraction of color, whether it’s the weathered surface of a rock or the strands of feather, these elements can become the focal point.
Selective Sharpening and Clarity
Don’t be afraid to use tools like sharpening, dehaze, and clarity to bring out the details and drama in your black and white photos. Selective masks and brushes can help your subject pop. This is how I edited #Shot 3.
Contrast is the name of the game
Use techniques like dodge and burn, S-curve to increase the tonal difference in your image. A dull, flat image will not do it justice.
In hindsight, I could use dodge and burn to make it contrasty and darken the background to clean up distractions in Shot #1 and #2. There is always room for improvement. =)
Focal Point and Storytelling
The best black and white photos are those that are well-thought-out, not just converted from color. Before you capture the photo, consider the tonal contrast, textures, details, and the direction of the light. How do these elements help convey the story you want to tell?
You can do so much more with black and white, silhouettes and minimalist style. If you’re interested, check out my Instagram to learn more!