Tips on Photographing a Cool Black-and-White Photo Like a Professional Photographer
Black and white photographs are an art in itself. To capture cool black and white photos takes a little sharpness. Although we can change the image in the process of editing, but photographing with black and white concept in our mind since the beginning always gives better results.
Therefore, I need to mention that in the following tips there will be no technical thing in processing photos. What I am discussing here is what factor I am going to make a good black-and-white photo. Because, based on experience though I am not a professional photographer it will also make it easier when shooting in color. Either later changed to black and white or not.
Here are the things to watch out for when shooting black and white photos.
1. Do not look at the color
The above sentence may sound silly when we talk about black and white photos. Is not it obvious that there is no "color"?
Correct. But in practice, when we see an object, striking colors often tempt our eyes. In the end, our attention is distracted by a good blend of color. In fact, when later photographed as black and white (or changed into black and white photographs) sometimes there are colors that the level of kepekatannya too close so that the form between objects is not clear.
2. Be friendly to form
Instead of seeing the colors that exist, consider the shape. Find out whether there are lines, objects, or anything else that can form nice compositions. It also includes details like textures (stone surfaces, rusted iron, facial lines, etc.) or the dramatic movements and expressions of a person.
Do not forget to think about whether the depth of field can produce interesting results. Blurred field differences with sharp ones can provide a clear and interesting shape.
3. Notice the Contrast
Basically, photography is painted with light. The side exposed to light (light) gives a dark side meaning, and vice versa. The contrast between dark light is what will give shape to the object in the photo.
Notice where the light comes from. Usually, the light from the side (either up / down or right / left) will give more contrast. For example to show the face line. But the light from the back can make interesting photos, such as making a light rim or silhouette.
To improve the contrast in the photo, we can use the filter in the lens (or if available in the camera application).
4. Do not forget gradations
There is a reason why the 50 Shades of Grey books are titled like that. The term "Shades of Gray" gives the Crhristian Gray character's name, the various layers of the personality of the character, as well as the vagueness of the situation often referred to as the gray area
Ahem, back to photography, that's how gradation plays a role in black and white photos. Different levels of brightness / gray density will give the feel or dimension of the photo. This is certainly related to the details of the object and the level of contrast. Therefore, in photographing black and white photos, do not forget the gradation
5. Beware of grain and noise
Grain is the spots that appear in the film as a consequence of the high sensitivity of photo film (ISO). The smaller the ISO (eg 100) the smaller the grain and the greater the ISO (3200) the greater the grain. The characteristic of grain film is irregular.
I use the term noise to represent digital noise, visual distortion in digital image data. As well as the grain in the film, noiseberrelat to the size of the sensor in the camera. Because pixel-based digital photos, the noise is more regular than the grain.
This is where the noise flaws. Because the pixels are more regular, then sometimes the noise shapes the pattern in the photo. Because the human brain recognizes patterns, it is easier to disturb than grain.
Fortunately, today's image processors have noise reduction algorithms. The algorithm will reduce the noise without reducing the image details. Noise reduction algorithms usually include luminance details (brightness) and chroma details (hue or color hue). Which is often more reduced is the detail of chroma, because the color disorder is more disturbing. This causes noise in today's cameras to be more like a grain in a movie.
Both, if seen, can interfere with the beauty of the image. Especially in color photos. Conversely, when photographing black and white photos, it can give a certain effect.
With the right level, these spots can add a photo texture, or add a certain nuance. For example black and white photographs of miners, with the grain can show the impression of rough and tough.
That is why I call "beware", not "avoid".
Those are some tips to photograph black and white photos from us. Again, the above tips are not technical tips. But if you pay attention to everything when photographing, process the photo will be more comfortable. The results will also be better.
