Green and red—-they are the traditional colors of the holiday season. However, in my last few blogs I have been encouraging you to think in black-and-white. With their timeless and classic look, black-and-white pictures can add a new dimension to your holiday photo sessions.
With that said here are a few ways you can create your own black-and-white masterpieces:
Processing. This is probably the easiest way to see what a particular shot would look like as a black-and-white print. Most professional photo processors can create a black-and-white print from any of the following sources—-a color or black-and-white negative, a color slide, a color or black-and-white print, or a digital file. You can also experiment with black-and-white processing using picture-editing software from your home. Just choose “black-and-white” (or “sepia” for an antique look) as the color format. Most computerized photo software programs also provide you the opportunity to further customize your picture by allowing you to make your shots more dramatic. To do so simply adjust the brightness and contrast settings, and see how it looks. You could also darken a distracting background to further enhance your photo’s main subject. However, it’s important to print your pictures on a photographic inkjet paper if you want the rich, dark blacks to stand out.
Camera Setting. The majority of newer digital cameras have a black-and-white or sepia mode. Simply activate the mode prior to shooting an image you would like to have documented in black-and-white.
Film. Once a month I buy a roll of black-and-white film such as Kodak Professional T-Max 400 film. Most photo stores are able to process black-and-white film with no problems since the it uses the same processing chemicals and papers as color film. I’m always pleasantly surprised with the results. Typically, the shots I don’t think will be as attractive in black-and-white turn out to be the most stunning.
Related Articles:
Tips for Shooting in Black-and-White
Capturing A Picture Perfect Autumn Landscape
Improving Your Autumn Photographs
Telling A Story With Your Shots
Snapping Frameworthy Shots Of Your Kids
More Common Sense Tips To Capturing A Frame-Worthy Picture
Common Sense Tips To Capturing Frame-Worthy Pictures