It’s all in the contrast

The 2020 Photo Challenge #44 – November Theme/Technique: Black and White Photography

Things to look for

  • If the photo lacks definition try adjusting the contrast or using colour filters in your editing software. Yellow will make things appear darker, orange darker still and red the darkest. Green filters can bring out the detail especially in green subjects. Blue filters block red light, making reds darker.
  • The best black and white photographs often have clear ‘blacks’ and ‘whites’ to guide the viewer.
  • Look for light or dark backgrounds for your photo shoot. Then, simply choose a subject with the opposite tone (light subject with a dark background / dark subject with a light background).
  • Silhouettes don’t necessarily have to be shot with perfect backlight if the subject is dark enough and the background is light.
  • Tones – the underlying brightness, darkness, and shades of grey that appear in an image. The tones of your image – whether dark or bright – should harmonise with the character of the subject itself. Dark tones can be moody and dramatic, light tones ethereal and light.
This week's assignment - Look for patterns. Patterns can be very attractive in black and white as there is no colour to detract the viewer. There are great patterns in nature and architecture.