It doesn’t matter what digital photo camera you have or how many digital photography books you have read, black and white photos are always classic.

Somehow, they always seem more serious and with deeper meaning than color ones.

But shooting in black and white is not so easy. To have incredible black and white photos, there are some techniques you should experiment with.

• First of all, always read your digital camera instructions. Your camera might have functions you are not aware of. See if your camera can shoot in RAW format. If it does, then go for it. It’ll be a big help later.

• You will have to do some corrections on the computer after the photoshoot. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad photographer, it just means that there are things that’ll make the result of your talent, your photos, much better and can be done only on a computer.

• It’ll be better if you shoot in color and convert it to black and white on your computer. This way you’ll have more control over the pictures.

• Set the ISO at the lowest level possible, according to the lighting conditions. You should do the same with color pictures, but you have to be more careful with digital black and white photography.  If later, when viewing the picture on the computer, you feel that it needs a filter, you can easily add it.

• Remember that it’s much easier to work with black and white photos. Even if they come out blurry, upload it to your computer and have a look: they may not be what you’ve expected them to be. Also, experiment with color filters. For example, a red filter usually gives a moonlight effect.

• Choose bright and well-lit places for your black and white photoshoot. You can shoot dark scenes, but they will look abstract most of the time.

• Pay attention to the digital photography lighting and contrast. After all, it’s a black and white photo. If you want to put the main stress on an item in the scene, find a position from where it’ll be lit enough.

• You can make your black and white photos look very dramatic if you focus more on textures. They come out very good.

• And finally — experiment all the time and do not be afraid to bring even your craziest ideas into life.

Photo: © apdk

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