In previous post I’ve written about macro and wide angle photography underwater. From the gear to various styles and types in each photography method. In this next series of posts we are going to look at various specialities with the underwater realm. I can spend hours talking about black and white (B&W) and its impact on all photography but I’m only going to highlight a few things here in relation to underwater. B&W is a great format for highlighting patterns, textures, shapes, and tonalities in the aquatic world, which is a stage that has no shortage of these elements.
Black and white photography always seems to have a mystique about it. Typically good black and white photography is often of simple subjects and compositions, it’s usually reserved for the upper class, the fine art types. Well I’m here to tell you that not the case, I’ve convert a lot of images to black and white, which I think look okay and I thin you should too.
Digital technology has made it so easy to snap hundreds of images on a dive and we are not longer limited to 24 or 36 shot on a dive due to using a film camera. I realize the last statement may come with some criticism from the photo purists out there and I understand that but I have shot film underwater. I fun and challenging that for sure but the merits of shooting with film is another discussion for another day. Being able to immediately review your images is huge for anyone shooting underwater. Additionally being able to convert your images with editing software, i.e. Photoshop, is an amazing tool in your arsenal for creating beautiful striking images.
Post production is a huge part and the reality of any image creation in today’s day and age. Editing in post is what we as photographers do. Anyone who doesn't know this by now just needs to look a Instagram and see all the polished and perfect photos that appear on that app.
Ok, now that, that out of the way let’s talk images selection. Finding the right image, this a subjective process but in some cases I think some images simply look better in B&W. Once your out of the water and going through your images on the computer take the time to convert your images to black and white and back again you might be pleased with what you see. My advice is don’t delete anything until you’ve tried.
Here is an example of that I didn’t like the image in colour but converting it to black and white i like it much more and for me it has a real old film sort of style.
Now that we looked at that here are some basic thoughts on selecting which images you might want to convert.
Images with ambient light only. Wide angle is good for this but macro will work too.
Simple compositions with a minimal amount of elements. Serene compositions that emphasize a clean negative space and where a subject is clearly identified.
Photos that emphasize shapes, textures, patterns, structures, and tonality.
Ultimately, this process and the art that you're creating is subjective, and the best way for you to start figuring out what images are going to convert best from your collection is to get your feet wet. Start playing with your images in post production and spend time with them. Convert them to B&W, and then bring them back. Play with the contrast, brightness, and tonalities throughout your images and you will discover what works and what doesn’t work with your photo style.
Lastly, using Photoshop and Lightroom is not cheating, its part of your personal creative process. Use it how you want to use it. Have fun with it and love what you create because in the end that all that matter.
If you have any question please put them in the comments below and thanks for reading.
Scott
For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/