Back in Black (and white)
by Chelsea McIlravy
Once again, black and white photography is back in style. After color photography was introduced black and white photography was seen as old and out. It is now seen as elegant and romantic. Black and white helps photographers learn the basics of form, shading, pattern, and other graphic concepts without getting distracted.
Tips for black and white photography:
- What makes a good black and white photograph
- Converting photos into black and white
- How to take a good black and white photo
What makes a good black and white photograph
When taking black and white photos it’s good to have an idea of what you want to portray or show. Usually the best black and white photos are shot during overcast days, portraits, or of textures. When taking photos on an overcast day, the black and white moves the focus to form and pattern and away from the dull white sky. With portraits, black and white makes the photo seem timeless and romantic. In many cases just turning the photo to black and white makes it seem more dramatic.
Converting photos into black and white
When converting color photos into black and white there are several different ways you can do so when using Photoshop. The easiest way to do so is to change the photo to grayscale. Another way is to use the channel mixers and filters. This process takes a lot longer to achieve the look you want but can give you the best results. There are many other ways to convert photos in black and white, but you can figure out what works best for you by experimenting.
How to take good black and white photos 
When taking black and white photos there are some details you should look for. You need to choose your subject carefully. Make sure it captures emotions or impressions. Make sure your background doesn’t distract from the subject. If you have to, move the subject or take the photo from a different angle. Use the light and shadows to your advantage. Also incorporate creative shapes and textures. Last but not least, use perspective. This can help bring a boring subject to life by using your creative eye.