Black-and-white photography is, technically, the oldest genre in the field, dating back to the inception of early photographic technology in the 19th century. However, despite the advances in colour film processing, the practice of eliminating colours has remained popular as a style choice, offering plenty of opportunities to experiment.
With the advantages of digital cameras, monochrome photography has adapted new techniques and ways of processing images, yet working solely with greyscale tonality remains a complex task. Blackand-white photographs have a timeless quality and offer a unique perspective on reality. Being limited to shades of grey only shifts the focus to the subject and certain characteristics in the scene become more prominent. However, what some may not realise is that colour still plays a significant role in B&W photography. In the digital era, there are plenty of post-processing features available that turn your colour images into monochrome; but mastering the art of black-and-white photography requires a little more knowledge and patience.
Taking the time to learn fundamental B&W photography theory and combining it with new digital features is key. This comprehensive guide puts a spotlight on both topics and is designed to support you in creating black-and-white photography like a pro. Over the next few pages, you will learn how to focus on the essentials and simplicity of a subject, get to know the latest features of digital cameras and explore the endless possibilities of creating striking monochromatic masterpieces.
Choose your kit
Learn how your equipment influences the quality of B&W images
When it comes to monochrome tones, choosing the right photography kit makes a huge difference in the quality of your shots. In this photographic genre, tonal range, sharpness, clarity and image noise are all key factors to consider.
If budget isn’t an issue, specialist cameras such as Leica’s Monochrome series are the way to go. These are specifically designed for black-and-white photography and are favoured by some professional photographers, including Alan Schaller. Models such as the Q2 don’t require the use of colour filters or interpolation so that only the pure luminosity (light levels) are captured, which results in sharper and more detailed photographs. High-resolution sensors are vital for producing highquality monochrome shots and Leica’s M10 features an impressive 40-megapixel sensor. Whereas these monochrome-only cameras can come with a
