Learn more about shooting black & white images in the Black & White Landscapes Ebook from our friend Andrew @ Creative-Photographer.

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While it’s true that the advent of color photography has brought us a world of incredible color photos, there’s still something to be said about a beautiful, and striking black and white image.

When you take away color, you’re left to rely on other elements – like texture, tone, form, and detail to create your images.

This will take you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to see the world differently.

It’ll force you to think carefully about your compositions, which in turn will help you to create compelling and striking images.

1. Consider Your Composition

While some situations call for color – for example, a breathtaking sunset; other times your composition may be better served by black and white.

Any time color is distracting from the main focal point, or taking away from the message that you’re trying to convey, removing color from the equation can help.

Black and white is also ideal when the composition contains plenty of beautiful texture and form that you’d like to draw attention to without the distraction of color.

2. Look for Contrast

When composing your shots, look for tonal contrast – dark shades that contrast against lighter tones.

Contrast is your best friend when it comes to black and white photography. Generally speaking, if a black and white image has very low contrast, it’s going to look a bit muddy.

The more contrast a composition has, the more dramatic and exciting it will usually be. You should also make sure the subject will stand out against the background, ensuring that it will show up well as a black and white image.

3. Watch the Lighting

Typically, when you head out with your camera, you’re hoping for stellar light. But the great thing about black and white photography is that it can be a bit more forgiving.

The flat, dull light on a dark, overcast day may mute bright colors, but it won’t matter as much for black and white images.

Bright sunny days are also great for black and white photography since direct sun produces bold shadows – and plenty of high-contrast situations that look great as black and white images.

4. Include Textures or Patterns

When you take color out of the equation, the eye will be drawn to other details – like texture or pattern.

Since there will be no colors detracting from them, details like peeling paint, roughhewn wood, and rusting metal will stand out beautifully in black and white.

5. Try a Long Exposure

For scenic black and white photography, nothing will transform your images like a well-timed long exposure.

If you’re capturing an ocean scene, a river, or a setting that will include clouds – or anything else that involves movement – using a long exposure will blur the motion, resulting in a silky smooth ocean, or streaky, softly blurred clouds.

While learning to see the world in black and white, so to speak, can be a challenge, it’s all part of the fun.

With enough practice, you’ll soon be adept at spotting great monochrome photo opportunities and will be able to capture truly remarkable black and white images.

There’s more where this came from! Learn more about shooting black & white images in the Black & White Landscapes Ebook from Creative-Photographer.