In most photography colleges and in core requirements for , those first images you’ll shoot with a 35mm film SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera on black and white film. Even its digital sister will require mastery with shooting in black and white. Now why is it that despite the proliferate amount of color images, black and white photography continues to be a thriving medium? There’s something about the classic contrast and tonality of these photos that conveys the photographer as a serious artist. In learning how to take great black & white photos you can literally watch yourself progress into a first rate photographer. Here’s how:
1. Remember film looks better than digital.
Granted there are excellent photo editing software programs that can help you create top-notch black and white photography but, hands down, film looks better than digital. The halide crystals in the emulsion layers of a 35mm filmstrip are better light absorbers than a digital camera’s sensor. If you are using a digital camera, its best to shoot in color, then adjust in post.
2. Choose a low ISO.
ISO or film speed works in conjunction with the aperture setting and the shutter speed. The faster a film’s speed, the less light is required to create an image, the smaller your aperture and you should set shutter speed to correspond to that number (i.e. 1/125 for ISO 100). However, higher ISOs create a grainy look in film and more noise in a digital camera. Black and white photography looks best when exposure time is lengthy, so low ISO is the way to go. The images will be sharper and richer in detail.
3. Be mindful of lighting.
Much of what lends black and white photography its reputation for classically beautiful images are its rich tonal ranges, which gives detail, texture and depth to the image. Lighting conditions can also influence the ISO best for your subject matter. With a digital camera, it’s best to shoot on overcast days. With film, bright sunny days will give your photos the rich contrast necessary to flaunt your subject’s tonal range
4. Carefully plan your photo’s composition.
Pay attention to lines, shapes, texture and shadows. Use light to emphasize the structure of your subjects. When shooting landscapes, opt for places with movement to emphasize texture. Bring a polarized lens when shooting snow or green fields to add depth to an otherwise flat tonal range. Bring a grey card to set up the subject’s grayscale.
5. Experiment endlessly.
Mastering black and white photography won’t happen overnight and there are plenty of exposure tricks in the developing lab and on software programs to learn. Make your camera’s shutter button your itchy rigger finger’s best friend. Spend time getting the hang of the variable filters in the darkroom.
Who knows – you might have the next prize-winning photograph waiting to be developed.
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