Ghost towns are great places to explore black and white photography, especially if you are new to seeing "without" color. It takes practice to identify subjects and scenes that work well in shades of gray. Look for differences in brightness (contrast), texture, and shape. These three characteristics are the core of successful black and white images.
In this image, the white metal bowl contrasts with the darker wood walls. Its relatively smooth surface is different from the rough texture of the weathered wood, the chain, and the embossed rusty metal cover from an old stove. Plus, there are three different shapes: circle, square and line.
While you can make black and white images in the camera, most successful monochrome pictures are made by converting a color image to black and white with photo editing software and further adjusting contrast and lighting.
Practice your black and white photography in my Photograph Garnet Ghost Town class this summer, July 12-19, 2018. Click here to register online.
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| Still Life Garnet, Montana |
In this image, the white metal bowl contrasts with the darker wood walls. Its relatively smooth surface is different from the rough texture of the weathered wood, the chain, and the embossed rusty metal cover from an old stove. Plus, there are three different shapes: circle, square and line.
While you can make black and white images in the camera, most successful monochrome pictures are made by converting a color image to black and white with photo editing software and further adjusting contrast and lighting.
Practice your black and white photography in my Photograph Garnet Ghost Town class this summer, July 12-19, 2018. Click here to register online.