Gallery 6
Black and White
Some photographs are more striking in black and white than they are in colour.
With the power of image processing it is relatively easy to turn a colour image into a black and white image.
Unfortunately, simple conversion is not enough, careful adjustment of tone, contrast, brightness, and exposure has to be a part of the route towards a final image of which you would be proud.
However, the real trick is to know that you will be converting a scene into a black and white image and think hard about the best settings on your camera to give yourself the colour original that will convert well into black and white.
Not all subjects are suitable for an effective representation on black and white.
The best subjects are those with well defined sharp edges, and having a good range of grey tones that include a total black but do not have a burned out area of white.
Check out these examples.
Image 35 Stand of trees in winter, Chatsworth Park, Derbyshire, UK
A simple composition is always best. This was an overcast grey day and the winter landscape only contained three elements: the grey sky, the black trees and road, and the white snow covering the field.
I chose an exposure that prevented the snow from being recorded as an intense white without detail, and I let the blacks look after themselves.
Image 36 Road bridge over Ladybower reservoir, Derbyshire, UK
Strong graphic subjects make for good black and white images.
It also helps if the tone of the subject contrasts with its background.
Image 37 Castlerigg, Stone Circle, Cumbria UK
Black and white images are appropriate when the subject has a strong pattern. In this case a prehistoric stone circle is used as the main central and foreground subject, the background landscape is the supporting part of the story.
Drama is added by the rays of sunshine.
More examples of subjects that lend themselves well to being shown in black and white.
Image 38 Wash across the beach, Wollacombe, Devon, UK
Image 39 Rose and drops of rain.
Image 40 Low tide, Barricane Beach, Wollacombe, Devon, UK
Image 41 Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland.
Keep it simple.
Image 42 Lone tree in winter, Longshaw Estate, Peak District National Park, Derbyshire, UK
Discover more breathtaking landscapes and unique perspectives in the other galleries. Each collection offers a different journey, inviting you to explore the world through my lens.
BRING THE BEAUTY HOME
You can make any of these stunning images your own by contacting me. Simply let me know which image you would like to purchase, using the image number to identify your choice, and I will respond with the available options for bringing this experience into your space.
Contact address: johndoornkamp@proton.me