Black and White Photography Tips

BLACK and WHITE Photography Tips
to create Stunning Photographs

In spite of the incredible popularity of digital photography in general, and creating color images in particular, there will always be room for black and white.

The elegance and timelessness of black and white photography ensures its continual popularity. The fact is that more people are becoming interested in black and white photography for many reasons...

• Black and white photography is seen less frequently; hence it is rare - and for that reason alone... it is of interest

• When used "properly," black and white accentuates the depth of the photograph

• Black and white heightens emotional content

• Black and white photography has a tendency to make photos look more like works of art

• Produces a clean, crisp look

• Transforms a dingy or overcast look into a striking photo evoking emotion

Since your current or next digital camera may have a black and white setting on it, let's find out how we can make the most of it by learning some black and white photography tips. Who knows, you could be the next Ansel Adams!

Black and White Photography Tip #1

It was actually taken in "sunny" California north of San Diego.

It was a particularly overcast and dreary day; so much so, that I almost didn't take the shot (sometimes I forget my own tips). Here's an important black and white photography tip for you that also applies to your color photography

I took this photograph in color AND black and white, and the black and white version has become one of my most popular photographs.

Black and White Photography Tip #2

This was a candid taken at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. from 100 feet away using a 300mm telephoto lens.

Like most digital photographs, this one was first viewed as a color image. However, the inherent emotional impact did not truly come through as expected.

By processing the same exact photo in black and white, the desired effect is achieved.

A valuable point to keep in mind is that when you have a highly emotional subject, also experience the photograph in black and white. More often than not, you will be happy you did.

Black and White Photography Tip #3

In photography, there are very few absolute rules. There is not a particular "category" of pictures that look better in black and white. However, consider keeping this black and white photography tip in mind - babies and children often look very moving in black and white.

Although there is a "formal/big occasion" aura surrounding black and white photography, there's no reason not to use the power of black and white photographs for regular old everyday shots. If you're unsure, take the photo in color and black and white, and you be the judge.

1. Display your own Black and White photos on this website, and one may even be showcased on this web page! Details.

2. Do you want to bring your photography to the next level?

   Taking Panorama and High Dynamic Range Pictures are just 2 of the more than a dozen products and services offered to you at no charge as our "Thank You" for a small $10 donation, which helps us continue bringing you new ways to capture better photographs.

Black and White Photography Tip #4

Depending which city and viewpoint you choose, cityscapes often lack a multitude of colors.

Therefore, if because of the time of day, or the subject, experiment with shooting daytime photos in black and white for greater impact.

Black and White Photography Tip #5

This is the Point-To-Remember...

Take your camera with you wherever you go because you never know what photo opportunities will exist.

And, in this case, I didn't know this was anything other than an "OK" shot after I originally looked at it.


The original photograph was cropped to arrive at this photo. Although not a black and white photography tip, cropping is one of the simplest things you can do to a photograph... and it is potentially, the most powerful.

By cropping a "No-Big-Deal photo," you can create the subject of interest that you want. Ordinarily, you will want the original file to be at least 1 MB in size. Why? The next photograph has the answer.

Cropping is a basic tool in most photo-editing software packages.

However, I have never seen any software address the most important thing to keep in mind about cropping and composing your shot (especially important when taking group portraits). Read about this tip here.


The magical thing about cropping, is that it's possible to create many unique images from a single source image file. That's magic!

As good as the above cropped image looks, I'll let you be the judge on how it looks here, in black and white.

Here's another NON black and white photography tip: The main thing to be aware of when you are cropping photographs is the number of pixels you end up with.

Simply stated, if you start with a 3MB file (which could have been created from a 6MB resolution camera), you would obtain a high quality 8x10 print.

If you crop 1/4 of the image, you now have a 750KB file... not enough for a good quality 8x10. Remember that there's not much point to have a cropped WOW image that is so small, you can't do anything with it.

Depending upon your photo editing software, you can increase the sharpness (do you notice the difference between the color and black and white sharpness?). But, like most things in photography, play around with it and you will develop your own unique formula for success... i.e., what works FOR YOU!

Find your best black and white photograph, and get ready to submit it to this site. Why? Because after it's approved, it will be featured on YOUR OWN WEB PAGE.

Over the years, I've come to believe in these two photographic truisms:

1. Most photographers are way too critical of their own pictures

2. One of the very best sources for learning about and getting photographic ideas is by seeing what other photographers have done

So, here's your chance to do both; PLUS supply helpful critiques for others. For EACH AND EVERY approved submission, you will get your own web page. In addition, every month, one black and white picture will be featured as the "Best of the Month" on this web page.

Bottom line... you get to view other black and white pictures; get ideas to use for your own future photos, and supply comments and helpful tips. And what does it cost? Zip. Nada. Not a cent.

Why? Because I'm convinced our visitors have considerably more talent than they have the opportunity to showcase, and doing it this way helps everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Get your black and white beauties ready!

October's Winning Black and White Picture... "Grandad's Girl" was taken by Ann of Bucks, England Ann's heartwarming photo shows emotion and tells a story, all the while drawing the viewer in to both subjects. Truly a spectacular job! We're now looking for November's Featured Black and White picture to be show-cased on this page. Show us what you got; after all, there's nothing to lose!

Submitting your Black and White pictures is free and easy. Just fill in the form below, upload your picture, and hit the submit button.

After your photograph is accepted, your picture will become a "live" page on this site. You may upload as many pictures as you want, using a new submission page for each one.

And don't forget to tell us the story BEHIND THE PICTURE.

The best photo every month (judged by our staff) will be featured on this page, along with your name.

Discover new ideas, perspectives, tips, and techniques used by other visitors to create Black and White photos. Simply click on the links below.

Classic Converse 
This picture was taken with a Vivitar Mini Digital Camera.
I wanted the shoes in color, but they came out in black and white.

Grandad's Girl 
Having lunch in the pub one Sunday afternoon, I took this of them interacting together.
(Editorial Comment: this child portrait is a heartwarming example ...

Sisters 
I just caught a sweet moment during one of my photo shoots.

Big Brother 
I'm the "unofficial" official photographer for the annual family reunion and for this family of 5 kids and parents, I also provide the kids yearly individual ...

Enlightening The Dark 
The bright light entering the dark interior of the room is a scene we encounter almost everyday and rarely comprehend the beauty in it. I love the silence ...

escape 
i used a cannon 400D with a 55-200mm lens, the location is in ireland in donegal in a wee place called buncranna beach, it was a lovely warm but dull day ...

country living 
taken in an old live stock barn in a pasture.

Take It All Away 
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Shutter Speed: 32/10 second
F Number: F/22.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Date Picture Taken: Apr ...

On The Run Tonight 
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Shutter Speed: 1/20 second
F Number: F/22.0
Focal Length: 31 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Date Picture Taken: Apr ...

Baby Feet 
I love baby feet and took some photos of my little boy's feet while he was swinging... After I took the photo, I edited it to make it a black and white ...

Precious 
This is a picture of my son, Ashton, napping with me one afternoon at our house. No black and white photography tips; just a great photo.
Want to make ...

Look Up 
Inspired by the children!
Want to make a Social Bookmark?

We have found a site that provides online celebrations of people, events,...

Spring Smiles 
It was a spring day in May and she was standing on her tip-toes trying to reach and smell the Lilac bush. It was out of her reach so she started laughing....

Angelic Grace 
I shot my granddaughter's portraits on Feb. 10, 2008.

I liked this cute baby picture the best out of all the ones I took.
Want to tell everyone ...

Sleeping Sweetness 
Getting in some practice at bedtime.
Want to make a Social Bookmark?

We have found a site that provides online celebrations of ...

Alone in the park 
Hi,

I just shot this picture..Forgot the settings..I used a canon eos 400D DSLR..Lens is Canon efs 18-55mm w/c I got as a gift for my wedding just last ...

Summer Lovin 
I took this photo with my new Kodak 721s 12xzoom
We took this photo for my Daughter's senior picture, we used her boyfriend's car and also the boyfriend ...

Beautiful Glow 
I used my canon XTi in my studio. I had it set to ISO 200 1/60@ F/5.6.

Wedding Kiss 
As a guest at a small wedding, I tried out a few shots using the B&W setting. This was my favorite. Original shot had 3 others from the wedding party looking ...

Snow Snakes 
Snakes in the tree was my interpretation of this 2008 New Year's Day shot taken on my farm.

I love taking upshots of trees, and to me these branches ...

Up, Up and Away! 
This is Maddy and her Mommy playing in Barbados. While everyone else was in business meetings, we had time to relax and enjoy the warm, beautiful water....

Up Hill Climb 
Having fun taking shots around town with my Canon EOS Rebel in Richmond, VA.

Pores  Not rated yet
I'm a fifteen year old girl who wants to become a photographer.
I am out hiking on a Sat.

Watching ships at Newport  Not rated yet
My son Andy and grandson Jack at Newport Beach, visiting my sister for Thanksgiving.
Camera is Canon EOS Rebel Digital
1/125 sec at f/7.1

So Innocent  Not rated yet
My grandson was laying on a weight bench in the backyard, so calm and posed. I thought this photo looked very nice in black and white.

California Summer  Not rated yet
This photo of my son was taken at Pismo Beach, California, with a sony cybershot on auto settings. I edited it by playing with the contrast and lighting ...

The best gift from GOD  Not rated yet
This is a picture that i took of my self when i was about 5 or 6 months pregnant i just put my camera where i needed it to be and then i put my bed clothes ...

The Early Birds  Not rated yet
camera: canon rebel xti
f stop: f/25
exposure time: 1/60 sec.
ISO: 400
i got up early and headed to the beach 15 minutes before the sun rose.
i was ...

Longing for Sunday  Not rated yet
ISO-100, Aperture-3, no flash, focal length +0.3 step
DiMage 5 Minolta Co., Ltd., standard lens
Behind an old church, in the Playground
I was taking ...

Forgotten Tears  Not rated yet
My five year old daughter was "working on the tractor" with her daddy. She came running to me covered in dirt and started to cry. I asked her what had ...

V & J Duncan Antiques  Not rated yet
I have a tank of a 35mm. It practically says in the instruction booklet that "This camera is INDESTRUCTIBLE" (it is pressurized and made especially for ...

stay proud  Not rated yet
Not sure of the shutter,aperture,etc just getting started.
This is my son Brent,it was just a fun day to spend with my son.

Gentalness  Not rated yet
taken with my brother's camera. This was before i moved from my old house. The location this picture was taken was in my front yard.

Sisters  Not rated yet
This picture was was taken on my Kodak digital camera. I was Right down the road from my house, with my "Sister". We came to be at this location when we ...

Logan William  Not rated yet
Canon Rebel EOS Xsi 12.2pm 18-55mm lens. Taken in color on auto.- converted to bw in picassa3 program

The Smallest little soldier  Not rated yet
Taken with a Casio Exilim 10.2 point and shoot.

My son Quintin wearing daddy's ACU top.

A long walk  Not rated yet
This photograph is of my grandson walking down the driveway of our family 100 yr farm.

Please!!  Not rated yet
My granddaughter trying to persuade me that she should have more chocolate!

Baby Kisses  Not rated yet
I had a photo shoot at the Buckwheat Festival Parade, shooting this one particular float. After the parade, I was shooting the baby queen & baby princess ...

Beautiful bride  Not rated yet
I took this at my daughters wedding in Jamaica. We had just had the cake cutting and I liked the pattern on the mirror behind her.

The jazz player  Not rated yet
The fstop was 4.2 the exposure was 1/15sec
the lens was a 50mm nikon the camera was a nikon d80.I was at a private birthday party I was in North Devon ...

love  Not rated yet
This photo is a great example of the love i see everyday between my children. It shows the love that each child has for the other clearly on their faces....

By the fire  Not rated yet
F/13
ISO 200
56mm Tamron 24-135
Nikon D300

Off camera flash in front of subject (from direction of the fire) using the nikon CLS flash system.

Sitting ...

Flying Legend  Not rated yet
Nikon D40 with 18-55 AF-S Lens

This photo was taken at the 2008 Airpower over Hampton Roads Airshow. It is the B-17 Memphis Belle, a historic plane ...

She's a Sr.  Not rated yet
I took her Sr. Pictures because she said professionals cost too much. I have a Canon Rebel XTI.

My Cat Cosmo  Not rated yet
This is a photo I took of my kitty, Cosmo. This photo was pretty bland and boring, and it was actually not very good at all, but I cropped it and turned ...

Aww Ma  Not rated yet
My friend wanted pictures taken of her family. She asked if I would do them so she could bring her pets. I decided to do one of just her and her son ...

What's he thinking?  Not rated yet
Doesn't he look like he's up to something? This was for his first birthday. He was over at my house playing so I started taking pictures of him around ...

Lindsay  Not rated yet
Aperture f/4
Taken with Nikon D40 using Nikkor 55-200 mm lens.
Taken in an alley in downtown Sallisaw, OK.
Want to make a Social Bookmark showing ...

joy and sand  Not rated yet
taken: canon 400D
lens- 50mm lens

a beach in donegal ireland

was there for the purpose of taking a nice summer shot and lucky for me these ...

sleeping jackson  Not rated yet
TOOK THIS ONE WHILE MY LITTLE MAN WAS SLEEPING

no place like home  Not rated yet
she was relaxing with her feet in the coy pond.

Covered  Not rated yet
Camera Model: Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens
Focal Length: 35mm
F-Number: F/4.8
Exposure Time: 1/13
ISO: ISO-800
Exposure Comp: -1.3 step

This photo ...

Fishing  Not rated yet
I am still learning how to shoot with my Nikon D80. I was traveling with my cousins when I spotted a group of fishermen. I decided to shoot in BW since ...

The Last Funeral  Not rated yet
Make Panasonic
Model DMC-FZ50
Flash Used No
Focal Length 14.5 mm
Exposure Time 1/500 sec
Aperture f/6.3
ISO Equivalent 200
Exposure Bias ...

avril  Not rated yet
I'm Avril Lavigne and live in America (usa). I'm 16 years old etc.
Want to make a Social Bookmark showing Black and White Photography Tips?
...

Jenna in Winter  Not rated yet
Taken in winter, which is not often cold here. I had her stop in the driveway & look at me. Taken with a Minolta SLR.
Want to make a Social Bookmark ...

Footprints in the sand ... Bali  Not rated yet
A picture taken whilst on holiday in Bali. Harry running along the beach watching his footprints left behind in the sand. A natural shot which I love.
Want ...

Hay Bales  Not rated yet
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Shutter Speed: 1/13 second
F Number: F/22.0
Focal Length: 31 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Date Picture Taken: May ...

The Saddest Dusk  Not rated yet
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Shutter Speed: 1/2 second
F Number: F/18.0
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Date Picture Taken: Apr 26,...

For ur smile  Not rated yet
Don't have any black and white photography tips, but this is sure a cute baby. Camera - Bronica GS-1
film - Fuji Across B&W ASA 100
Aperture - F8/60sec
...

Carefree days of childhood...  Not rated yet
Swinging in our backyard.

Photo was taken about 5 feet away, zoomed, using a Canon Powershot S5 IS.
Want to make a Social Bookmark showing Black ...

BABAFACE  Not rated yet
USED A KODAK EASYSHARE C613 6.2 MEGAPIXEL CAMERA
PICTURES TAKEN IN PARK
BRIBED HER WITH ICE CREAM. SHE WAS NOT IMPRESSED
Want to make a Social Bookmark ...

Tyson Turns 2!  Not rated yet
Tyson is my male boxer who is quite used to modeling for me while I am experimenting with different photography techniques. This picture was taken for ...

Running in the park  Not rated yet
Picture was taken in a local park, using a fuji s 3 pro

Baby Carson  Not rated yet
While Carson laid on his floor gym watching the lights and music in the family room I ran for the camera and quickly set it to my black and white setting ...

snow path  Not rated yet
While walking home from my previous job at 6.05am on a really cold dark winter day in 2006, I shot this scene in mono. I usually specialize in mono and ...

pimp my ride  Not rated yet
calesa(horse drawn carriage) in intramuros, manila. very popular for tourist.if you're planning to go around the nostalgic manila, i recommend you ride ...

nostalgic mojico photo  Not rated yet
photo of my wife, arlene. during our vacation in mojico japan. this mojico station is a very old train platform in kitakyushu prefecture. it's a very nostalgic ...

The Spooky Creek  Not rated yet
In Southern Arizona, outside the city of Sierra Vista, are many open areas. This is one that has a small stream running through it. While processing the ...

Adam   Not rated yet
I like the look of all the white in the black and white photos. He wasn't exactly cooperative, but I really liked the look of this one. Since I'm clueless ...

The Bow  Not rated yet
My husband is a mate on this charter fishing boat and I happened to join him one day during an excursion. After walking up to the bow, I noticed this ...

Black Cat  Not rated yet
Taken with a Panasonic DMC-FZ20:
(fully automatic mode)
Digital JPEG file
Exposure Time 1/30 sec.
Max. Aperture F/2.8
Focal Length 10.9mm
No Flash
...

Dreaming of the Future  Not rated yet
The date was June 23, 2007. I was at my friends wedding in Whitehorse, Yukon and saw Amber watching the bride and groom (her aunt and uncle) dancing "their"...

Retro Alko Bareno II  Not rated yet
Our apartment in Kumamoto Japan (Alko Bareno II). View from the back - rice fields view -. This is green every spring. But now, since it's winter, I believe ...

Light at the end of the Tunnel  Not rated yet
Taking pictures of the covered bridge, I was fascinated by how the bridge was constructed on the inside.

This picture was taken by a EOS Digital Rebel
...

Jon Jon  Not rated yet
This is my nephew who has just got a horse, so I made him pose for me with his cowboy garb on.
Hope its ok that I let the little bit of color through....

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