Black and white photography is having something of a renaissance in our bright and busy modern world – and it’s easy to see why. Stripping away the distraction of colour from a photograph allows you to focus on shapes, textures and patterns, and your subject, whether it’s a dramatic landscape or an intimate portrait. Black and white photography can be enhanced by great editing, but it starts when you’re shooting. For the best results possible, you need to see and feel in Black and white, and use the right gear. That’s where this book comes in! Over the next few hundred pages, we’ll equip you with the skills needed to capture, edit, and master monochrome photos – whether you’re into mindful photography, gritty street shots or fine art wildlife. We’ll cover essential kit, from cameras and lenses to filters and even printers. Then our in-depth technique guides will teach you how to set up your camera to extract every ounce of detail and atmosphere from a scene. We’ll also explore the essential elements you need to consider when composing an image; form, shape, contrast and tone. And let’s not forget some inspirational interviews and case studies from the experts. Welcome to the stunning world of black and white photography. Grab your camera, and get reading!
Welcome to MASTER BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY • ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR MONOCHROME PHOTOGRAPHY
Essential kit for B&W photography • If you’re looking for the best equipment for a monochrome workflow, then this is the guide for you
Cameras
More options • From DSLR to compact system cameras, here are some great camera options
Lenses
Lenses & subjects • See what optics you need for what you want to shoot
Filters
Filter options • Some of the best filters and brands available right now
Pick your colour
Software
More software • Select the image-editing software you need
Printers
More printers • Home printing no longer has to mean low quality
Frames and mounting
Framing online • More online framing options
Leica Q2 Monochrom • Does the 47MP black-&-white-only full-frame sensor make this the perfect camera for monochrome?
FEATURES
TALKING POINT… • Monochrome sensor
SHOOT BETTER BLACK & WHITE IMAGES • Bring the magic of mono into your photography. Hints, tips and tutorials by Niall Hampton, James Abbott and Adrian Davies
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to see in black & white • Look out for these elements when framing up your shots
2 Considering tonal range • Step beyond the average and use tone to give your black and white images added impact, using these examples as inspiration
3 How to set up your camera for black & white • Discover the settings and presets you need to shoot with mono in mind
FILE FORMATS
PHYSICAL FILTERS
PICTURE STYLES
DIGITAL FILTERS
4 Enhance your images in post-processing • James Abbott outlines two ways to convert your shots to mono
Edit like a pro in Photoshop • Achieve punchy black and white effects
Adjustment Layers • Great results in the quickest time
Edit like a pro in Lightroom • Take full control of mono conversions
USING LIGHTROOM’S BLACK & WHITE TREATMENT • Lightroom offers a sophisticated way to adjust tones based their original hues
FINISHING TOUCHES
Dodge & burn in Photoshop • Evoke darkroom methods to finesse the monochrome look in your shots
TRY THESE COOL MONO EFFECTS • Improve your black and white shots with these treatments
5 Get creative and try infrared HDR • Adrian Davies reveals the gear and techniques you need to achieve a more otherworldly kind of...