BACK IN BLACK
What makes for a great black and white image? Interesting shadow details, interesting textures, repetitive patterns that have variations, dramatic lighting and shadows that transform intoextraordinary creatures of the night? Or is it simply the capture of a visual story that youreally care about? Whatever it is that appeals to you, black and white photography is anartform all of its own and something everyphotographer should explore.
In this article, I have chosen somecommon subjects to show you how different black and white images are from their colour origins. My idea is to get you excited about practicing your photography now so you can apply this knowledge to future photography shoots, taking what you learn along the way to develop your personal style.
EARLY DAYS
The early black and white film photographers were very passionate about their art, and they built a foundation of photographic aesthetics that still applies to much ofphotography today.
Perhaps it is the “look” of film with its inherent grain, its contrast and its limitedtonal range that we chase with our digital cameras. To understand these principles, study books on the work of some of my black and white favourites such as HarryCallahan, Elliot Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sally Mann, Mario Giacommelli, or current superstars such as
