How to take black and white photos: the secrets of creating expressive shots

07.09.2016

How to take black and white photos: the secrets of creating expressive shots

Black and white photography is a classic genre that allows you to focus on shape, texture, contrast, and emotion, eliminating the distracting effects of color. The shooting process for a black-and-white image is not much different from a color image – the laws of light remain the same. However, the true ability to see the world in shades of gray comes only with experience. In the digital age, this is especially difficult because we are used to bright colors. In this article, we’ll look at the key aspects of black and white photography, using filters and processing to make your images expressive and artistic.

Shooting process and preparation for a black and white shot

It’s not recommended to shoot directly in black and white – it’s better to take a photo in color and then convert it in a graphic editor. This gives you more flexibility when processing, as you can control how colors are converted to grayscale. For example, reds can become lighter or darker depending on settings, which affects contrast and accents in the shot.

When shooting, think about the future black and white result: look for scenes with pronounced contrast, interesting textures and shapes. For example, old buildings with rough surfaces, portraits with expressive wrinkles, or landscapes with dramatic clouds are ideal for this genre. Avoid scenes where color is a key element (for example, bright flowers or rainbows) – without color, they can lose their expressiveness. Pay attention to the light: side lighting creates deep shadows that add volume, while soft, diffused light emphasizes textures.

To learn how to see the black and white world, practice: shoot the same scene in color and imagine how it would look without color. Over time, you’ll start to notice where the contrast is stronger and where the picture loses its meaning. This skill is the key to creating powerful black and white photos.

Using filters in black and white photography

In classic black-and-white film photography, filters were indispensable for controlling contrast and tones. In the digital era, they are less commonly used, but understanding how they work can help you predict the outcome of your processing. For example, an orange filter darkens blues and purples, making the sky more dramatic and highlighting clouds – ideal for landscapes or nude photos in daylight. The red filter darkens the blue even more, creating an almost black sky that adds drama.

For digital cameras, classic color filters are not suitable due to the characteristics of the sensor and color reproduction. Instead, the effects of filters are simulated in processing programs such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. An exception is the ultraviolet (UV) filter, which can be used for color photography as well: it eliminates blue tint and blurring, especially in mountains or at high altitudes.

Neutral gray (ND) filters are useful for extending shutter speeds without changing color, allowing you to capture blurred movement (such as clouds or water) even during the day. A polarizing filter eliminates glare on water or glass and saturates the sky in color, but in black and white it can make the shot look too flat and lifeless, so use it carefully. Any filters usually require a tripod because of the reduced light reaching the sensor.

The main rule is that the effect of the filter should not dominate – the story and composition always come first. If you plan to convert a color photo to black and white, avoid using color-enhancing or conversion filters while shooting. Neutral filters can be used freely, while polarizing filters are only used for specific tasks, such as removing glare.

Convert a color photo to black and white

Processing begins with high-quality retouching of the color image: correct defects, noise, and exposure. For conversion, it’s best to use RAW converters (such as Adobe Camera Raw or Capture One), which allow you to control exactly how each color is converted to a gray tone. For example, you can make skin lighter and the sky darker by adjusting the appropriate channels.

Tone correction is a key step. If you’re correcting a color photo, you may need to do some additional correction after conversion because the tones will change. In the converter, you see the process in real time, which helps you achieve the perfect balance. However, don’t rely solely on the program: high-quality source material and shooting experience are more important than computer skills. Shoot in RAW format to save as much information as possible for processing.

Additional tips: Increase contrast for drama, but avoid going overboard to avoid losing detail in shadows or highlights. Use local adjustment tools to highlight key elements. For example, darken the background to make the model stand out. Experiment with grain – light grain adds a vintage look to a black-and-white image, mimicking film.

Black and white photography is not just about the absence of color, but a way of telling a story through light, shadows, and shapes. Shoot in color, but think about contrast and texture; mimic the effects of filters in post-processing; practice to see the world in gray. With experience, your black-and-white images will become powerful, emotional, and timeless – just like the classic masterpieces of photography are remembered for.