MASTER MONOCHROME

Discover the captivating qualities of black-and-white photography, and learn how to master the genre in the age of digital technology

- Kim Bunermann

B lack-and-white photography is, technically, the oldest genre of photography, dating back to its inception in the 1820s; and mono has never fallen out of fashion, despite the wealth of creative styles and effects that modern photographers are able to choose from. With the advantages of digital cameras, monochrome photographers have adapted new techniques and ways of processing images, yet working solely with greyscale tonality remains a complex task.

Black-and-white photographs have a timeless quality, and offer a unique perspective on reality. Being limited to shades of grey shifts the focus more to the subject, and certain characteristics in the scene become more prominent. However, what some may not realise is that colour still plays a significant role in B&W photography. In the digital era, there are plenty of post-processing features available that turn your colour images into monochrome; but mastering the art of black-and-white photography requires a little more knowledge and patience.

Taking the time to learn fundamental black-and-white theory, and combining it with the latest digital tools, is key. In this comprehensive guide we’ll shine a spotlight on both topics, and help you to create pro-quality mono images. Over the next few pages, you’ll learn how to focus on the essentials and simplicity of a subject, get to know the latest features of digital cameras, and explore the endless possibilities of creating striking monochromatic masterpieces.

CHOOSE YOUR KIT

Learn how your equipment influences the quality of B&W images

When it comes to monochrome tones, choosing the right photography kit makes a huge difference in the quality of your shots. In this photographic genre, tonal range, sharpness, clarity and image noise are all factors to consider.