Black and White Landscape Photography

Black and White (B/W) photography is universal. It is classic and timeless. Additionally, it has the ability to be used with any genre, any subject, any type of lighting, and at any time of day.  Whether with film or through the post-processing of a color image, choosing to dabble in monochrome has many benefits to one’s photography as a whole.

In nature and landscape photography, black and white photography can open up an entirely new world of photography.  In fact, photographers often discover that they start to view the world differently when they start shooting in monochrome.  They become more aware of light, the quality as well as its direction. Black & white images allow the photographer to notice and utilize contrasts in tone and texture.  A powerful black and white image can pull the viewer through the image. It will convey emotions the photographer expresses through the tones and textures within the image.  This requires the landscape photographer to concentrate on strong compositions, using balance and the space within the image’s frame strategically to tell the story.

With B/W photography, it is important to consider the tonal contrast between the elements in the scene. Photographers often experiment with high key images as their B/W photography evolves. A high key image contains primarily light tones without much use of dark shadows in the image.  Without relying on color, the photographer must find a strong and defining composition by paying attention of the texture, form, and contrast.

Acknowledging the tones of color may seem difficult at first.  However, with practice, it becomes like second nature. Let the Visual Wilderness team guide you into the world of black and white photography. Use our posts and tutorials to learn to see subjects and scenes which translate beautifully into black and white photos.