You are involved with portrait photography and would like to photograph in black and white. To be able to take your photos to a higher level, there are a number of things you need to know about black and white portrait photography. After reading the tips in this article, you know how to make a striking black and white photo with the perfect contrast.
Tip 1: first photograph in color
Most cameras have a monochrome stand for taking black and white photos. An important tip: do not use this mode. Your camera opts for a standard black-and-white conversion in this mode. This does not always give the optimum result. If you photograph in color, you later adjust the black and white proportions as desired in an editing program. This gives you much more control over the end result of your black and white photo.
Tip 2: photograph in RAW
To determine the black-and-white ratio yourself afterward, it is important that you photograph in RAW. In general, RAW is smarter than the standard JPEG format. RAW files store much more information about the photo. In this way, you get the light back into underexposed parts in an editing program. In addition, you get the color back in your image in RAW if you have nevertheless photographed in monochrome mode. In this way, you enhance the black and white contrast in a more natural way.
Tip 3: search for hard contrasts
A black-and-white portrait revolves around the contrast between black and white. To achieve a good result, you must ensure that there is sufficient contrast within the frame in which you photograph. For example, use a dark background on a person with blond hair and fair skin to enhance the contrast between light and dark. Do you work with a light background. Then make sure that the model is dressed in the dark.
Tip 4: use the correct exposure
The face is the part that you want to emphasize and illuminate well in a black-and-white portrait photo. What makes black and white photos extra interesting is shadow play. Drop a shadow over one side of the face and only illuminate the other side. If you take photos indoors, use natural light through the window. With this soft light, you create a special atmosphere in your photo. This effect can also be achieved with well-adjusted studio lighting. If you are outside, use the light of the sun.
Tip 5: don’t wait for a sunny day
One of the great advantages of black and white photography is that you do not necessarily need a sunny day to take a good portrait photo. Rainy days can also be very suitable. The light on these days is weak, giving your black and white photo a soft appearance. In this way, the structures come into their own even better in one face. Do you still find the photos too dark? Then adjust the exposure and contrast in post-processing.
