Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

Tips for Dramatic Lighting for Black & White Photography

Black and white photography provides a throwback to classic photo art, and much of that effect depends on lighting. Because black and white photography involves a very simple color band of blacks, white, and grays, the photographer relies on shades and shapes to evoke messages in photographs. Some methods work very effectively while others work against the image, making it seem worse. The photographer needs to study a target setting carefully to determine which method should be applied to get the best photo.

Natural Lighting
- Silhouettes work well with natural light in the background.
  
  Natural sunlight helps or hinders photography, depending on how the photographer positions the shot. For black and white images, positioning so that the light comes from the background can create powerful silhouette photos. These in turn leave the viewer to imagine what the shadow actually represents in the photo, only being able to make out the basic shape.
Artificial Lighting
- Casting light within dark rooms creates spooky images for a viewer to wonder about.
  
  Artificial light allows a photographer to move or position light around the photograph object. This gives the photographer control, allow him to create moods in the photograph. For instance, placing a light below a face gives it an ominous appearance, with darkness behind but the face lit up with the bottom light. Placing the light on the side allows the casting of shadows, which can elongate a photo subject across the photo image.
Shapes and Patterns
- Different colored rock forms shades in natural light, creating large patterns.
  
  One of the beautiful effects of black and white photography involves how it emphasizes shapes and patterns with lighting. Framed correctly, repetitive patterns can evoke artistic images. For example, spiral stairways with light from below or at the very top create a spinning effect in related images. Much depends on how the photographer positions the camera to capture the image. Some of the best photos are made with a focus on closeup shots of patterns or on objects with distinct shapes such as windmills.
Keeping the Image Simple
- Too much detail washes a black and white photo out, confusing a viewer.
  
  One problem with black and white photography involves allowing too much detail in the image. When a photograph gets taken with lots of objects and shapes, particularly with outside photos, black and white photography gets washed out. The viewer gets served a big clump of imagery and texture all at once. It's better to keep the image simple, allowing shades and lighting on a basic object to create more powerful scenes.

Other Hobbies