Black and White in Digital Photography
In middle of the 20th century when color photography became accessible to the public, Black and White photography lost its popularity among amateurs. But it still appeals to professionals and thanks to its elegance and timelessness it is unlikely to be replaced by any other photography type. For decades it has been widely used in traditional film photography, and today it gains its popularity in digital photography as well.
‘’Due to the current state of digital camera sensor design it is impossible to capture images in true Black & White. Fortunately for us though, this drawback can turn out to be a significant advantage.
Digital images are comprised of three channels of luminosity information describing the three primary colors of light (Red, Green, Blue). In short, three monochromatic images. Using software we can combine and mix those channels to produce exactly the B&W effect we want. By shooting digital you have a level of control over the outcome of your B&W images that you could only dream of with film.’’
Being used for artistic purposes, B&W may help accentuate the depth of the photograph, heighten emotional content and transform dull and drab scenery into a masterpiece. That’s why it is widely used in wedding and portrait photography where it is necessary to capture the emotions of the moment.
In fact, the subjects for B&W are unlimited. Though if it is true that black and white may add to a photo a aesthetic effect and enhance the results, we should also realize that it may spoil the whole impression of a photo as well. That’s why we should learn how to see in black-and-white.
For those who find it is difficult to see in black and white, there is a way out as well. It is possible to produce b&w images with the help of Photoshop or other photography applications. Though it is necessary to learn how to convert photos properly. You should always take into account an image’s color and subject of interest, otherwise conversion can dilute the artistic message, and may create an image which appears washed out or lacks tonal range.
Learn how to convert into Black and White:
- Converting a Color Photo Into Black and White - includes interactive photos showing how it works, a background on color filter use in traditional film photography, and a comparison of digital conversion techniques
- Digital Black & White Series - A series of tutorials covering the foundations for all available methods of converting a digital color images into black and white using Adobe Photoshop.
- LandscapePhoto.us - Shows the three main ways of converting a color photograph to black and white using Photoshop, and examines the strengths and weaknesses of each.
- Photoshop in black and white – learn how to convert digital images in black and white using Adobe Photoshop.
- Four Ways of Converting your Colour Images in B&W
Black and White Digital Photography Tips and Tutorials:
- Taking pictures in black & white - Information and tips about lighting, filters, films, and subjects.
- Black and White Photography – Find the information on Color to black and white transformation, information about tools, Portraits, High Sensitivity, Difficult light conditions, etc.
- Thoughts and Tips on Taking Black and White Pictures – tips on graphics, composition, and design of b&w images.
- Black and White Photography Tips – five tips on how to take better b&w photos.
- Digital Black and White: How to – learn the craft of digital black and white photography in four stages.
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