Black and white photographs have a striking elegance that makes them stand out. You can often see these crisp images in art exhibits and in magazines. Taking beautiful black and white pictures is a skill that you can learn. Knowing some simple photography tips will help you take lovely pictures that you can share.
First let's talk about how to take these pictures with your digital camera. Most digital cameras have a black and white mode. If you don't know how to switch your camera to black and white mode check your camera manual.
If you own a photo editing program you can easily convert your color pictures to black and white on your computer. Free editing software programs like Picasa, GIMP and Paint.net will allow you to convert your photos on your computer. It is better to use this method than using the setting on your camera because it gives you more control over how the image will look. You also have more options. You may decide that you prefer the picture in color.
Now that you've decided how you'll go about converting your photo let's look at some elements that lend themselves to black and white photography.
Dreary days look great in these pictures. When it's overcast outside and you feel like the grayness of the day will make a terrible photograph get your camera out anyway. You don't have to take color pictures. You can take a variety of pictures with the intention of converting them to black and white pictures later.
Look for contrast in your photographs. Dark colors and light colors together make contrast that adds drama and depth to photographs. If everything in your picture is basically the same color you'll end up with a picture that is mostly one shade of gray when you convert it.
Show texture in your images. When you strip the color away from a photograph it helps the viewers' eyes focus on other elements in the pictures that they may not have noticed before. The various textures and shapes in the picture become even more important to the viewer.
As with all photography follow rules of composition to make your image interesting to the viewer. Place horizon lines in the lower or upper third of the photo. Place your subject to one side of the photo instead of in the center to provide visual tension. Pay attention to background and foreground.
Keep your ISO setting as low as possible. The higher your ISO is set the more noise or grain will appear in your picture. You may like this grainy look in your pictures. Some people do. If you're a person who likes grain in your photographs it's best to add it using editing software after the picture is taken. Setting your camera to an ISO setting that is too high will add distortion to your picture that will detract from the image.
Practice these tips and in time your photography will improve.
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