Ahh, black and white photography. So elegant, so dramatic, romantic, refreshing. I have some of my own personal tips for creating black and white shots that I want to share with you. Everyone has their own techniques, and photography is an art. That's what it's all about. Sure, there are all the standard things one needs to know. But what is so beautiful about this art form is that it's kind of like painting. You can create whatever you want. So read on for some advice that may hopefully help you create stunning black and white photographs.
1. Shoot in Color - If your camera does not have the capability of shooting in RAW (or if you just choose not to), take the photo in color, and do your conversion later on your computer. Most digital cameras on the market today offer the option of shooting black and white straight from the camera. Most of those produce fairly decent results. However, I personally like to post-process my b&w's because you have alot more control over the final outcome of the photo this way. If time is a factor, then the option (if your camera allows) of shooting b&w to begin with is always there. Now, there is also an exception to shooting in color, and it's when you do shoot in RAW. If you shoot in RAW and switch to black and white mode, you see your results on the LCD screen in b&w, but the camera actually will record the information in both black and white AND color. But again, if you shoot in JPEG, shoot in color and convert to b&w afterwards.
2. Low ISO - Set your camera to the lowest ISO setting possible. This is important in b&w shots because 'noise' created by ISO can be more obvious than you'd like in your photo on a higher ISO setting. If you want the 'noise' or "grainy" effect, you can always add it later in post-production, but it's much more difficult to go the other way and take the 'noise' out.
3. Good Framing - Train yourself to look at tones, shapes and textures as your point of interest in your framing of a shot. Highlights and shadows will also stand out in your shot.
4. Time of Day? Weather Conditions? - Shooting digital black and white seems to work best in lower contrast. So, a darker, more overcast day is a perfect time to shoot out door shots.
5. RAW vs. JPEG - Oh, the debate between these two. This subject is funny with me, because most digital photographers and professionals are die hard RAW users or die hard JPEG users. For me, I kind of float between both ends of the spectrum. I like to use both formats; depending on what I'm shooting, what I plan to do with the shots post-processing, and what kind of time frame I'm looking at. It's one of those areas that's really a matter of preference and option. There is no "wrong" one to shoot in. Both formats produce great results, it's all about what you're going after.
Now, that pretty much sums up my personal importances for black and white photos. I hope you can find some of this info helpful to you.
More detailed info on the "RAW vs. JPEG" debate to follow; along with photos. :)
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