Black and White Photography: Best Photographers, Best Cameras and Tips?
Black and white photography, also termed as monochromatic photography is an art to induce the shades of gray ranging from black and white within the photography. Black and white photography has been around since more than 35 years. This is a genre and often gives your creativity a perfect edge.
What is black and white photography?
For monochromatic enthusiasts, black and white photography would be like a creative task. So, you can explore a lot in this field. But it would be important to figure out that what looks good with black and white and what not! Visualize a scene in black and white and see if you feel it would look great? If yes, just go ahead! With sheer experiments you will gain hold over this form of photography.
Where is black and white photography used?
Black and white photography has special importance when the photographer has to tell a story. If there is need to portray religious or cultural activities or if there is a story of past, at such times this kind of photography is used. The basic motive of black and white is to set a specific mood and strengthen emotions.
Which are the best photographers who have preached black and white in their works?
There’s one name that comes into my mind and that’s Veteran Japanese Photographer Daido Moriyama. His basic creations that are famous include the post Japan ear. He was much into seeing around the breaking of values and falling of ethics and so on post war. He captured these things in his creations and that’s what he got popular for.
Then I also remember names like Igor Posnor and Eamonn Dayle. They were also masters in this field. So, I recommend that you as a budding photographer check out the works of these masters and then explore this field. It is vast but yet quite nurturing and challenging.
Which are the best cameras for black and white photography?
I recommend these four amazing cameras which would give your black and white photography a new twist.
1. Sony Alpha A7 III
Sony Alpha A7 III is an amazing deal because it can offer the best quality monochromatic shots. It is expensive, but you can get the best results. If you are looking forward to be a professional then having this camera will be a good decision. The camera has 24MP full frame BSI CMOS image sensor. It has the best autofocus performance as well.
2. Canon EOS R
Canon EOS R has amazing performance and it is a reasonable deal too. The camera has perfect settings for monochromatic shots and it surely has a perfect autofocus too. Very good touch screen display, amazing sensor and best body, this one can take you a long way. It has good 30MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processing. Great in delivery and color reproduction, try this one for your hobby or profession.
3. Nikon Z7
Nikon Z7 is an advanced camera with dynamic range and best autofocus. It is expensive but can offer you the best black and white shots for your black and white photography. The controls, body and layouts are quite ergonomic and very easy to use. It has a full frame 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor. Great in autofocus, this camera can deliver amazing click for black and white photography.
Few tips you must keep in mind for black and white photography
1. Taking pictures in color and then converting in black and white
Most of the budding photographers have this question in mind that whether it would be good to take images in black and white itself first? Well, my recommendation is that first you should always take photographs in colors and then only convert them into black and white at the post processing stage. This is because, if there is no compulsion to do black and white and if that shot looks great in color only then at least you clicked it in color and that would be the benefit.
2. Take images in RAW
It would be better to take the images in RAW format because later on you can convert the images into black and white when you need. RAW files are flexible and hence you have that flexibility of conversion.
3. For monochrome photography don’t keep color filter with you
When you are in monochromatic photography session, make sure that there are no color filters. This is because, if you use then the images will not be effective.
4. Importance of composition
You should understand the importance of composition when it comes to black and white photography. Your composition should be strong and then all the after effects would be good.
I am sure this blog, best 5 elements of black and white photography will also prove to be an important read for you.
Cameras with auto light optimizer, in built tone priority feature, availability of monochrome format etc are some of the features which are good enough for black and white photography!
Conclusion
So, friends, check out that what your camera can do for you and also do some experimentation. I am sure this will take you on the right destination. Do you like this blog, Black and White Photography, Best Photographers, Best Cameras and Tips? Do share your views here in comment section.
