Black and White Photography

Even though we all have cool little cameras that take photos in glorious colours, sometimes it is fun to mix it up a little. I have seen so many breathtaking black and white photos that I have wanted to look into what are the ingredients of a good black and white photo and when would be a good opportunity to experiment with this style of photography?

When to use Black and White:
§ If the colours in the photo distract the eye from the subject. For example, you want to take a photo of Uncle Ernie but he is wearing that darn orange plaid suit again with his bright yellow tie.
§ If you want to draw the eye to a shape or silhouette of an object rather than the actual object itself. For example, the Eiffel Tower is so recognisable by its shape. Perhaps you want to emphasise that in your photo you took while in Paris.
§ If you want to create a classic or timeless photo with the suggestion of some artistry. For example, a wedding photo can be captured as a timeless moment if the happy couple were presented in a simple black and white composition.
§ If you are Ansel Adams

How to convert to Black White [ok technically it is greyscale, but let is not worry too much about that…]:

If your camera does not have a black and white mode, then you can do it using your software. The simplest way is to desaturate the colours in your photo. This removes the colour intensity of your photo and reduces it to a grey scale. Once your photo is desaturated you can play with the levels to increase the contrast. This is particularly important if you want to increase the impact of the black and white photo. A photo with too much grey can look a little blah or washed out. Given you are trying black and white to add impact, you might not end up with the effect you are trying to achieve.

Now it is your turn. Post an original colour photo. Then post it as an adjusted black and white photo. I think it will be fun to compare and contrast. Post a layout if you prefer. Black and white photos look stunning in layouts with coloured elements.

Our gallery is here

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Jacqueline
Kitty and Baby Mama
My Gallery

original:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

black/white layout:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

i love doing this!!

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This is always fun... I was playing with taking pictures in B&W the other day but It's more versatile to take them in color and then change them like this to B&W in my oppinion! I was glad to see this challenge...

Color:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...at=9274&page=1

B&W:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...at=9274&page=1

LO:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...at=9274&page=1

Thanks for the challenge and for looking! ;-D

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Every day is a new gift from God, what will You do with your present?...... Live Life on Purpose!!!

here are mine:

original photo: here

b&w layout (well, sepia, but it fit better): here

Cheri

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"If little else, the brain is an educational toy...The problem with posessing such an engaging toy is that other people want to play with it, too. Sometimes they would rather play with yours than theirs." -Tom Robbins, Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Here's my original image:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...hp?photo=60950

And here's the after layout:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

I change my photos to black and white all the time so I can use whatever color of papers and embellishments I want!

Thanks,

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Lynne
My Photo Blog

This is the first time I am doing one of these and I hope I did it right.
Original Color:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

Black and White:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

Color and Black an White together in one:
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

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Have a great day and ,
Pamela

These are two portraits that are hanging on my wall. I followed the Pencil Portrait tutorial at duckettphot.com to get these results.

http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...61739&cat=9274

http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...cat=500&page=1

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Hi, this is my second post!! Woo Hoo, I'm loving this. And, black and white photography is really my favorite!!
Thanks for viewing
http://www.scrapbook-bytes.com/galle...hp?photo=61990
Sheryl G.

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Sheryl ~ Arcola, Texas
Please visit my gallery!