Fine Art Prints
Black and White Photography

 

Black and White Photography

 

Black and white images allow viewers to experience people, places, and things in entirely new ways. Certain aspects of landscapes, mountains, trees, clouds, and cities are accentuated when viewed as a black and white image. 

Black and white mountain photographs offer such unique perspectives on mountains and their natural surroundings. You’re able to view the mountain as the focal point of the image in a way that some colored images don’t always allow for.

Black and white images of landscapes and architecture have been an interest of mine since I first entered the world of photography. Being a travel photographer allows me to visit interesting places around the world and the scenes I’m able to photograph are nothing short of spectacular. 

I’ve explored my home country of the United States extensively as well as parts of Europe and Asia, spending extended periods of time in Scandinavia and India.

Black and white landscape photograph of the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas. The mountains surround the city and can be seen for miles and miles.

The Process

 

There are moments when you’re looking at an incredibly beautiful landscape filled with trees and wildlife, the sun is shining and there are a few clouds in the sky. It’s then that you just know this would look amazing as a black and white image.

Feeling that is intuitive. You’ll know that a scene is special and unique and being a photographer you’re able to capture that moment and show it to the world. There are things you’ll want to consider before shooting a black and white image. 

The first is the lighting. This is something a photographer is always thinking about, but it becomes even more fundamental when shooting in black and white. The reason is because when the image is complete, it’ll be composed of varying shades of white, gray, and black. The light will help you convey your message more easily to the viewer. Sometimes you have to be patient, but if you know a scene would look amazing at a certain time of the day, plan for being there a little bit earlier, get setup and then capture the moment in the camera as you saw it in your mind’s eye.

If you’re looking to emphasize a subject’s silhouette or the contours of their body or if you’re looking to make the silhouette of a tree the subject of an image you’ll also want to take notice of any objects that may be around or behind your subject, as these too will be captured in the photograph. They could help to enhance the image, but make sure you’re aware of their presence before you shoot.

 

 

 

Black and white photograph taken in Japan. Lots of leading lines with a person not knowing which way to go.

Locations

 

Black and white images can be taken anywhere, anytime, of anything. It’s all about you. What are you looking to say with your image? What do you want it to look and feel like? When you start having these thoughts the images will present themselves to you before you even go to take the image. 

Some of my favorite images are black and white landscapes that include mountains, trees, and wildlife. There are some scenes that you may even stumble upon and you’ll know this is a unique and rare moment and I have to capture it. 

Those places can be anywhere. From the smallest to biggest cities to national parks, forests, beaches, or maybe even within your own home. You’ll never know when inspiration will strike, but when it does make sure you and your camera are ready.

 

 

 

Black and white, symmetrical image with leading lines. The sky is cloudy, the focus is on a mirror reflecting the street below. Taken in Tokyo, Japan