 |
| ~ |
|
|
|
|
|
Why would you be interested in Black and White Photography?
Black and white phography can create more intimate portraits and also more atmospheric landscapes if done correctly. Thanks to photography digital style, taking black and whit photographs is often as simple as turning a dial on your camera.
However, despite this function, this type of photograph has, in recent decades, become less popular. This is simply because many people decided they preferred color pictures, and the price for color is more affordable. Some cameras also come with settings for sepia photography, and most photo editing software comes with the option to change color photographs into black pictures or a sepia tints. No matter which way you choose to achieve the look of your images, you may find that you fall in love with the results.
Black and white photography is somewhat of a lost art, and many are finding they like it more than color for portraits or close up photos. Black and white often adds an element of mystery to a photo that color just cannot capture. Photos in black and white are especially popular for portraits and candid shots of young children. Black and white photography adds an intimate feel to a photo that you may not find in color which is why many professions advise happy couples to have at least a few black and white shots in wedding photography shoot.
Black and white is also a great alternative for nature photos. A photo of a single flower or a tree can be stunning in black and white. For a unique photograph, you can then take that photo and add color to just one part of the photo using your photo software. You might try adding color to only the flower petals, or in the case of portraits, just the irises of someone’s eyes. Black and white photos are even more striking when they are framed and huge in groups on your wall.
When I was on a recent trip to Thailand, I was walking around the streets of Bangkok in the early morning as the monks were collecting there alms. The sun was low, and the shadows were very long. I took a couple of fantastic shots of the monks amid an awakening food market, and they came out just spectacular. I managed to capture the steam and smoke from big pots and grills, and there were people, dogs, and chickens running around in some kind or organized chaos. When I got home, I reintroduced color to a single monk by bringing his bright orange robe back to life, and contrasted against the black and white setting made these 2 photographs award wining shots, in my opinion of course! And the great thing is I didn't need to use a photography darkroom or go on any photography courses to achieve this effect.
When your children are playing quietly with each other, snap five or six photos of them a few second apart. Take these photos and turn them into black and white. Then, buy a set of three or four matching frames and hang them on your wall in a cluster. Stand back and study the results.
While it is a matter of preference, it is easier than ever to try black and white photography. If you own a digital camera, it won’t cost you anything to give it a go, and see if you like it. If you aren’t convinced you should give black and white photography a try, do some experimenting. Take some of your existing photos and turn them to black and white using photo editing software. Study the photos side by side and see how each picture makes you feel. You will then probably discover the real beauty of black and white photography.
Don't forget sepia toning too. Sepia gives photos a warm, antique feeling and can be beautiful if done right. Once again, most modern cameras or their software with have a sepia option. Get that camera clicking and explore a whole new world of color today
