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Fine Art Black and White Nature Photography is a photographic genre that combines the immediacy of black and white photography with the richness and naturalness of nature and landscape photography.
In this article, I want to show you why black and white nature photography is so beautiful and enchanting. We will look at shooting techniques, different sub-genres, and inspiring photographers. The article is aimed at both photographers and lovers of art and black and white photography in particular.
I will be glad if you see my latest black and white nature and landscape photography.
Introduction to Black & White Photography
Black and white photography is a timeless art form that has captivated viewers for over a century. Unlike color photography, black and white photography presents the world in a unique way, focusing on texture, contrast, and light to create striking images that evoke emotion and capture a moment in time.
Black and white photography has a long and rich history dating back to the early 1800s when pioneers such as William Henry Fox Talbot and Louis Daguerre developed photographic processes based on black and white images. Over time, black and white photography has evolved, with advances in film technology and printing techniques allowing for greater detail, tonality, and contrast.
Until the 1960s, black and white photography clearly dominated the photographic scene, with the likes of Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson producing iconic works still revered today. However, the advent of Kodacolor film brought about a change, allowing photographers to capture images in vibrant color. Despite this, black and white photography continues to thrive today, with many photographers still choosing to work in this medium to create striking and evocative images.
Choosing the Right Subject
If you haven't already done so, think about which type of photography is not only suitable for black and white nature photography, but which you enjoy the most and have the opportunity to pursue. For example, it might not be the best idea to focus on photographing the sea when you are 1000 km from the sea.
Let's take a look at what I think are the best subjects for black and white nature photography.
B&W Abstract Photography
If you want to express more of yourself through your photographs and move further away from simply reproducing reality, then abstract photography is for you.
There are a number of techniques that can be used when taking abstract photographs. My favourites are:
- Long exposure photography
- Camera movement during exposure
- Close-up & Macro
- Silhouettes
1. Abstract Photos: Long Exposure
Long exposure photography is a technique in which a camera's shutter is left open for an extended period of time, allowing more light to enter the camera and creating a motion blur effect. This technique is used to capture images of moving subjects or to create surreal and dreamy landscapes by blurring moving elements such as waterfalls, clouds or waves.
To achieve long exposures, photographers need to use a tripod to keep the camera steady and prevent blur caused by camera shake. They also use neutral density filters to reduce the amount of light entering the camera and extend the exposure time, allowing longer shutter speeds without overexposing the image.
2. Abstract Photos: Camera movement
Camera movement during exposure is a technique used in abstract photography to create unique and visually stunning images. This technique involves deliberately moving the camera during exposure, resulting in a blur or distortion of the subject or scene being photographed.
There are several ways to create camera movement during exposure. My favourite is to use a slow shutter speed, usually a second or more, and move the camera in a deliberate pattern or direction while the shutter is open. This can create an effect known as intentional camera movement (ICM), which produces abstract, painterly images with a dreamlike quality.
Camera movement during exposure can also be used to create abstract images of everyday objects, landscapes, or cityscapes. By deliberately blurring or distorting the subject, the photographer can transform ordinary scenes into abstract, surreal, arresting, and thought-provoking compositions.
One of the benefits of using camera movement during exposure is the element of unpredictability it brings to the creative process. The final result is often a surprise, as the photographer has little control over the exact outcome of the image. This unpredictability can be both exciting and challenging, requiring the photographer to experiment with different techniques and settings to achieve the desired effect.
3. Abstract Photos: Close-up & Macro
Taking abstract black and white close-ups is a really interesting discipline. Mushrooms or the texture of wood are ideal subjects for photography. I recommend going to the forest in autumn. You don't have to go on a long hike. You just have to find a place with untouched nature and observe the surroundings. For example, if you find an interesting mushroom, try putting a macro lens on your camera and photograph it from different angles. Look for mushrooms that are interesting, contrasting, and distinctive.
4. Abstract Photos: Silhouettes
If I had to choose just one type of photography to do for the rest of my life, I would probably choose plant and tree silhouettes.
The great advantage of this type of photography is that you can take it anywhere. All you have to do is look carefully around you and have enough patience.
It also helps to have a good macro lens and one more important thing: snow. Because it can hide everything that's superfluous, so it's easier to find the plants that are worth photographing. That's why I always go out quickly when it's snowing. I have a few places where I know interestingly shaped plants are growing, but you can find them almost anywhere.
B&W Landscape Photography
Black and white landscape photography is a genre I really like. I like the directness and at the same time the mood that it can express. Photographing landscapes in black and white is not as easy as it might seem at first glance.
The absence of color makes it essential to choose the location well. It is also important to remember that you will be converting the image into black and white. Many digital cameras allow you to shoot directly in black and white, so you can see a black-and-white image in the viewfinder. DSLR cameras allow you to preview the image on the rear screen. If you choose this method, make sure you shoot in RAW - you'll also save a color version of the photo.
How to choose a location for black-and-white landscape photography?
Choosing a suitable location is absolutely crucial. You need to find a place with strong contrasts, lines or silhouettes, a place that is distinctive and striking. That's why I spend a lot of time planning the shoot. Most of the time I choose this approach:
- The first thing I do is think about what I'm going to photograph. For example, it could be a solitary tree in a landscape somewhere in the Czech Republic, where I live.
- I sit down at the computer and start searching. For example, I start searching for "solitary tree in the Czech Republic" etc. I try both standard search engines and image search engines. Here in Europe, we have a "Tree of the Year" competition and thanks to that you can find a lot of interesting objects to photograph.
- If I have an idea of what area I would like to photograph, I might search for "art photography Bohemian Paradise", "travel tips Bohemian Paradise", "tourist guide Bohemian Paradise" or "landscape photographer Bohemian Paradise". That way I can find the areas I am interested in. Then it's not so hard to find out where a place is by looking at the photo and photos related to it in an image search.
- Once I've found out where I want to shoot, I open Google Maps and look at the photos, 360° photos and especially Street View. This helps me find the exact place I want to go and, most importantly, increases my chances of getting a great photo.
- An interesting way to find a place to take landscape photos is to use artificial intelligence - a chatbot. All you have to do is enter your query correctly.
It is said that landscape photography has to be "walked". This is both true and untrue. You have to spend a lot of time in the countryside and really do a lot of walking to find the perfect place to shoot. However, when you are shooting, it is rather disadvantageous to plan a long trip of, say, 20km. I'd rather choose a route that's only a few kilometres long and use the time I save to shoot. To get that great shot, remember that you only need to be in that one place. If you find the right place beforehand, you hardly have to go anywhere 🙂
B&W Animals & Wildlife Photography
Although I'm not a wildlife photographer ( even though I'd probably enjoy it), I do photograph animals from time to time. There are a few important rules for photographing animals in black and white that help, at least for me. 1) Use contrast. Look for white birds against the black background of a lake or forest, black birds against a bright sky. 2) With flocks of birds, use the patterns they create. 3) Shoot portraits. As with human portraits, black and white photographs of animals enhance the subject's expression.
Techniques for Shooting Nature in Black & White
Black and white nature photography can create a unique and striking aesthetic. Here are some techniques to consider when photographing nature in black and white:
- Look for contrast: Black and white photography relies heavily on contrast. Look for scenes with strong contrasts between light and dark areas. This can help create dramatic and compelling images.
- Experiment with exposure: Black and white photography can be a great opportunity to experiment with different exposure settings. For example, you can underexpose your images to create deep shadows and dramatic contrast.
- Consider using filters: Filters can be a useful tool in black and white nature photography. A red filter can help darken the sky and highlight clouds, while a yellow filter can increase contrast and bring out green foliage. Although colour filters can be simulated in digital photography, they still have their place. But I always recommend using a polarising filter.
- Look for texture: black and white photography can really bring out the texture of natural elements. Look for patterns in rocks, bark or sand that stand out in black and white.
- Use backlighting: Backlighting can create a dramatic and atmospheric effect in a black and white photograph. Look for opportunities to shoot against the light, with the silhouette of the subject against a light background.
- Experiment with composition: Black and white photography can be a great way to experiment with composition. Consider using guide lines, diagonals or asymmetry to create dynamic and eye-catching images.
- Shoot straight black and white: Most modern digital cameras allow you to shoot straight black and white. This means you can see what the black and white photo will look like right in the viewfinder. If you're shooting with a DSLR, you can use the rear screen to do this.
- Shoot in RAW: When shooting in black and white, it's a good idea to shoot in RAW format. This gives you more flexibility in post-processing, where you can adjust contrast and fine-tune the tonal range of your images.
Editing BW Photography
Editing black and white photos requires different techniques than editing colour photos. Here are some useful tips for improving black and white nature photos:
- Start with a strong image: a good black and white photo has strong contrast and clear lines. Before you start editing, make sure the image is sharp, well-composed, and has a clear subject.
- Adjust the brightness and contrast: Adjusting brightness and contrast can make a big difference in black and white photos. Try increasing the contrast to make dark areas darker and bright areas brighter, and adjust the brightness to achieve the mood and atmosphere you want.
- Play with tones: Adjusting tones can add drama or mood to a photo. Experiment with different levels of black, white and grey to see what works best for the image.
- Bring out texture: In black and white photography, texture plays an important role in making an image more interesting. Try highlighting the texture of the photo to bring out more detail.
- Dodge and burn: Dodge and burn is a technique used to lighten or darken certain areas of an image. This technique can increase contrast and add depth to an image.
- Use vignetting: Vignetting is a technique that darkens the edges of a photo to draw attention to the centre of the image. This technique can be used to create a more dramatic and moody look.
- Convert to black and white: Although it is tempting to simply desaturate a colour photo to create a black and white image, this may not always give the best results. Instead, try converting the photo to black and white using a dedicated black and white conversion tool or by adjusting the individual colour channels.
- Experiment with different presets: Different presets can produce very different results, so don't be afraid to experiment to find the one that works best for your photo.
- Keep it simple: Black and white nature photography often looks best when it's simple and straightforward. Try to avoid adding too many effects or filters and let the natural beauty of the scene speak for itself.
- Practice: Like any skill, editing black and white nature photography takes practice. Keep experimenting and refining your techniques to create better and more impressive photographs over time.
Great Nature and Landscape Photographers You Should Know
Many great landscape and nature photographers have worked in black and white over the years. Here are a few notable examples:
Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams is probably the most famous landscape photographer of all time. He is known for his iconic black and white images of the American West, including Yosemite National Park.
Edward Weston
Edward Weston was a pioneering photographer who helped establish photography as a fine art. His black and white landscapes often focus on the natural forms of rocks, trees and other elements of nature.
Michael Kenna
Michael Kenna is a British photographer known for his minimalist black and white landscapes. His images often feature tranquil, ethereal landscapes that evoke a sense of calm and serenity.
Minor White
Minor White was an American photographer known for his spiritual approach to photography. His black and white landscapes often have a dreamy, abstract quality that reflects his interest in Eastern philosophy and mysticism.
Brett Weston
Brett Weston was an American photographer and the son of Edward Weston. He is known for his minimalist, abstract black and white landscapes that emphasise the patterns and textures of nature.
John Sexton
John Sexton is an American photographer who worked as an assistant to Ansel Adams. His black and white landscapes are often characterised by bold graphic compositions and strong tonal contrasts.
Dorothea Lange
Dorothea Lange was an American photographer best known for her images of the Great Depression. However, she also produced a series of black and white landscape photographs characterised by an austere documentary style.
Questions & Answers
Why shoot nature in black and white instead of colour?
Black and white nature photography can add a sense of drama and mood to an image that may not be present in colour. It also allows you to focus on texture, contrast and shape in a way that colour photography might not.
Can I convert colour photos to black and white?
Yes, you can convert colour photos to black and white using post-processing software. However, it's important to understand that not all colour images translate well to black and white, and some images may require different post-processing techniques to achieve a good result. Be sure to use the colour channel mixer when converting.
What are some tips for creating high-contrast black and white nature photos?
Look for areas of high contrast in your scene, such as bright highlights and deep shadows, and position your camera to highlight these areas. You can also use filters, such as a polarising filter or neutral density filter, to enhance contrast.
Can I take black & white photos with a digital camera?
Can I take black and white photos with a digital camera?Yes, most digital cameras have a black and white shooting mode, and you can also convert your colour images to black and white in post-production. But I definitely recommend shooting in RAW to preserve the ability to go back to the colour version of the image. There is at least one digital camera that can only shoot in black and white - the Leica M Monochrom.
What are some tips for composing B&W nature photographs?
Look for leading lines and other elements that draw the eye into the frame, and use the rule of thirds to create a balanced composition. Negative space and minimalist photography can also be effective in black and white. Black and white also works well for portraits of animals.
Who are some famous black and white nature photographers that I can learn from?
There are many famous black and white nature photographers, including Michael Kenna, Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Studying their work can give you a better understanding of how to create powerful black and white images.
Do I need special equipment to take black and white nature photos?
No, you can take black and white nature photos with any camera, but I recommend cameras that shoot in RAW format to give you more flexibility in post-processing. Filters such as polarizing or colour filters can also be helpful to enhance contrast and other elements of a black and white photograph. A sturdy tripod is essential for landscape photography. A selection of lenses, including a wide-angle lens, a polarizing filter and a remote shutter release are also helpful.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in black and white nature photography?
A common mistake is to rely too much on post-processing to create a good black and white image, instead of focusing on capturing the right elements in the camera. Beginners, in particular (I've been there myself), often overdo it with processing, with too much contrast or too much vignetting being common. Another common mistake is to convert photos to black and white when they are not meant to be. A useful hint is to ask yourself whether the colour is important in the image. If so, leave it in colour.