Setting the mood — black and white photography tips
Black and white photography is simply my favorite, and it should be no surprise that the first photography post here is about black and white photography. Simply put, black and white allows you to help set the mood or emotion for a photo. After all, photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about telling a story that resonates.
For example, this lioness wasn’t very excited about my presence.
I was able to help express what I felt as her lack of enthusiasm of me being there by turning her into a black and white photo.
Black and white photography often helps bring out shapes and textures in photos, and this is where your eye must be zoned. Contrast is a major key. In color photos, color contrasts are your enemy of sorts. They are distractions when you have large amounts of contrast. In black and white photography, tonal contrasts (the tones from white, gray, and black) really make a photo pop out. For the same reason, black and white photography is often useful in capturing human expression when there are a lot of contrasts in a picture such as a table full of foods, people wearing bright shirts, etc. These things are major distractions from the story that you are trying to tell.
There are advantages to black and white photography in story telling especially when your color photos aren’t the best or simply don’t work. The photo below was of a deer that my labradoodle, Maximus and I came upon while hiking in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia some years back. Mixing the black and white with the fog and I was able to add some dramatic mood but not cover my subject.
Sure, you get the gist of mood, but what are the advantages to black and white photography outside of mood?
- Composition — It focuses on composition. Lines, shapes, and textures come alive with lights and shadows, all giving perspective.
- Distractions — The subject of your story can’t come alive if the audience can’t sift through the noise. Along with distracting colors and objects, sometimes you can save a photo with harsh lighting.
- It’s a timeless classic.
Tips and tricks for black and white photography
Black and white photography is a timeless art form that emphasizes contrast, texture, and composition without the distraction of color. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you create stunning black and white images.
1. Focus on contrast
Without color, contrast becomes the backbone of your image. It defines shapes, separates elements, and adds drama. Look for scenes with strong light and shadow interplay. Adjust your exposure to emphasize bright highlights and deep blacks. Remember, adjusting exposure before shooting is going to be less harsh than editing. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance contrast, especially in landscapes, by reducing glare and darkening skies.
2. Master composition
With color stripped away, the viewer’s eye relies on lines, shapes, and patterns. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, or framing to guide attention. Negative space can also feel more impactful in black and white. Lastly, shoot with intention—visualize the scene in monochrome as you compose rather than converting it later as an afterthought.
3. Play with texture
Black and white amplifies texture, making rough surfaces like tree bark or smooth ones like water stand out. Side lighting or harsh light can exaggerate texture. Get close to your subject to capture fine details. Also, experiment with high-clarity settings or post-processing to enhance texture without over-sharpening.
4. Shoot in RAW
RAW format is a type of digital image file that contains unprocessed, uncompressed data straight from a camera’s sensor. Unlike formats like JPEG, which are processed and compressed in-camera, RAW files preserve all the original data captured during exposure, giving you maximum flexibility for editing later. Basically, these files retain more tonal information, giving you greater control when converting to black and white. RAW captures more detail in shadows and highlights. For example, if you underexpose a shot, you can recover details in editing that a JPEG might lose. Even if your camera has a monochrome mode, shoot in RAW to preserve flexibility for editing later. You can also use the monochrome preview on your camera as a guide, but tweak the final tones (e.g., reds, blues) in software like GIMP, Lightroom, or Photoshop.
5. Understand tonal range
A good black and white photo has a full spectrum of tones—pure blacks, bright whites, and a range of grays. Avoid “muddy” images with too much mid-tone gray by adjusting exposure or curves in post-processing. You can use dodging and burning selectively to deepen shadows or lift highlights in key areas.
6. Look for the right subjects
Not every scene translates well to black and white—some rely heavily on color for impact. Often, portraits, architecture, street scenes, and moody landscapes often shine in monochrome. (Check out my friend Brian at Barnett.pics for some inspiration for both color and black and white). Look for emotional weight or stark contrasts. You can test a scene by desaturating it on your phone or camera screen to see if it holds up. For inspiration, look at works by Ansel Adams, Henri Cartier-Bresson, or Diane Arbus. Notice how they use light, shadow, and composition to tell a story. Practice mimicking their techniques to build your own style.
7. Experiment with filters (physical or digital)
Filters can dramatically alter how colors translate to grayscale. A red filter darkens blues (great for stormy skies), while a green filter lightens foliage. Apply these in-camera or in post. In editing software, use the color sliders (e.g., HSL panel) to adjust how specific hues convert to gray tones.
8. Embrace grain (noise)
Grain can add a gritty, film-like quality that enhances the mood. Don’t shy away from high ISO shots—grain can work in your favor, especially in low-light or moody scenes. Add subtle grain in post-processing for a vintage feel, but keep it balanced to avoid distraction. Personally, I like to use as little grain as possible. Other photographers have different styles.
9. Simplify your scene
Busy scenes can become chaotic without color to differentiate elements, but at the same time, black and white can get rid of some of the chaos and allow you to bring focus on a particular detail. Isolate your subject with a shallow depth of field or minimal backgrounds Experiment with using long exposures to smooth out distractions (like water or clouds) for a cleaner, more abstract look.
10. Post-processing is your friend
Converting to black and white isn’t just desaturation—it’s about sculpting the image. Adjust contrast, shadows, and highlights globally, then fine-tune specific areas with brushes or masks. Try split-toning subtly (e.g., warm shadows, cool highlights) for a unique monochrome style without fully leaving black and white.
Conclusion
Black and white photography isn’t just a filter or a nostalgic gimmick—it’s a deliberate choice that sharpens the way we see the world. From amplifying emotion to cutting through distractions, it forces us to focus on what truly matters: the story. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, the timeless pull of composition, or the tactile beauty of texture, this art form offers endless ways to refine your craft. With a few tips—like mastering contrast, shooting in RAW, or embracing the grit of grain—you can unlock its potential. For me, it’s the lioness’s stare or the misty deer in Shenandoah that prove it: black and white doesn’t just capture a moment—it defines it. Also, remember to find your own style. We all have different preferences. When other photographers make negative statements, they’re often coming from a good place. But sometimes, they’re coming from a place of arrogance. Don’t take it personally. Again, develop your own style and make photography yours — not something just to please the masses.
Gear used:
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens
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