Black-and-white
All photography was originally monochrome, most of these photographs were black-and-white. Even after color film was readily available, black-and-white photography continued to dominate for decades, due to its lower cost and its "classic" photographic look. It is important to note that some monochromatic pictures are not always pure blacks and whites, but also contain other hues depending on the process. The cyanotype process produces an image of blue and white for example. The albumen process, first used more than 150 years ago, produces brown tones.
Many photographers continue to produce some monochrome images. Some full color digital images are processed using a variety of techniques to create black and whites, and some manufacturers produce digital cameras that exclusively shoot monochrome.
All photography was originally monochrome, most of these photographs were black-and-white. Even after color film was readily available, black-and-white photography continued to dominate for decades, due to its lower cost and its "classic" photographic look. It is important to note that some monochromatic pictures are not always pure blacks and whites, but also contain other hues depending on the process. The cyanotype process produces an image of blue and white for example. The albumen process, first used more than 150 years ago, produces brown tones.
Many photographers continue to produce some monochrome images. Some full color digital images are processed using a variety of techniques to create black and whites, and some manufacturers produce digital cameras that exclusively shoot monochrome.
Why did it take me so long to try my hand at black white photography?
I guess one reason or excuse is that I never took formal photography lessons, because a lot of photography courses include black and white photography as an essential subject.
Yet another excuse could have been that I didn't take pictures often enough, since I did not have that much time and money to pursue this hobby more fully.
But probably the real reason is this: I was afraid.
What if the pictures turn out badly? I was afraid of trying something new, afraid of failure.
Thinking back now, I can understand those who keep posting on photography forums about wanting to take slides, but never got round to doing it. Why can't they "just do it"? I used to think.
I could have said the same thing to myself about black white photography. Why didn't -- and couldn't -- I just do it? In fact, years ago I had bought a roll of black and white film but, for some reason, never shot it!
If you, like me, had never tried black white photography or monochrome photography, I strongly encourage you - Just do it! Don't worry about the pictures not turning out nice. Most of my first roll didn't. Yet I still experienced the magic; I still felt encouraged to want to do more black white photography.
For a start, you can try digital manipulation, using Adobe Photoshop or similar software, to convert your existing color pictures into black and white photographs.
This was what gave me the urge, and the confidence, to shoot my first roll of black and white film.
The photograph of hands was originally in colour but, because of poor lighting (because the picture was taken at late evening and it had a strong blue cast), it never looked it best -- until I decided to turn it into a "black and white hands".
I guess one reason or excuse is that I never took formal photography lessons, because a lot of photography courses include black and white photography as an essential subject.
Yet another excuse could have been that I didn't take pictures often enough, since I did not have that much time and money to pursue this hobby more fully.
But probably the real reason is this: I was afraid.
What if the pictures turn out badly? I was afraid of trying something new, afraid of failure.
Thinking back now, I can understand those who keep posting on photography forums about wanting to take slides, but never got round to doing it. Why can't they "just do it"? I used to think.
I could have said the same thing to myself about black white photography. Why didn't -- and couldn't -- I just do it? In fact, years ago I had bought a roll of black and white film but, for some reason, never shot it!
If you, like me, had never tried black white photography or monochrome photography, I strongly encourage you - Just do it! Don't worry about the pictures not turning out nice. Most of my first roll didn't. Yet I still experienced the magic; I still felt encouraged to want to do more black white photography.
For a start, you can try digital manipulation, using Adobe Photoshop or similar software, to convert your existing color pictures into black and white photographs.
This was what gave me the urge, and the confidence, to shoot my first roll of black and white film.
The photograph of hands was originally in colour but, because of poor lighting (because the picture was taken at late evening and it had a strong blue cast), it never looked it best -- until I decided to turn it into a "black and white hands".
0 comments:
Post a Comment