In a world filled with color, black-and-white photography may seem like a lost art. But in reality, more and more people are embracing it for its beauty, simplicity, and timelessness. Whether you’re a beginning photographer or a seasoned shutterbug, it’s time to get back to basics and explore the wonderful world of black and white.
We’ve created a helpful primer to get you started - Here you'll find an overview of how forgoing color can enrich and add drama to your photos, a few examples of potential snapshot ideas, and a list of the HP products and technologies that can help you get your feet wet.
The beauty of black and white
With all the beautiful colors available, you may wonder whether black-and-white photos offer any benefit. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Opting for black and white enhances your pictures in many ways. Black-and-white photography:
- Adds drama.
- Creates a timeless look.
- Heightens depth and emotion.
- Offers a crisp, clean look without the distraction of color.
- Makes photos look like art rather than everyday snapshots.
- Eliminates colors that you may not want or like.
When to skip the color
The next time you’re snapping a photo, ask yourself whether it might be better in black and white. Here are a few suggestions to help you decide whether you should forgo color:
- Drab or unremarkable scenes. An empty back yard or courtyard can be transformed into a dramatic masterpiece.
- Romantic, nostalgic, or touching scenes. Heighten the emotion in a portrait of a happy couple.
- When color is distracting or simply not necessary. Nix the color if you capture a dramatic cityscape with a bright yellow yield sign in the foreground.
- Scenes filled with interesting textures, patterns, shapes, and lines. Statues, architecture, or even a ramshackle barn can be a study in photographic interest.
- To minimize flaws. Hide mismatched clothing or smooth out skin tones.
- To accentuate a scene’s contrast. Highlight the juxtaposition between a child in light clothing and a dark, shadowy backdrop.
How to create black-and-whites
Black-and-white prints can be created in a couple of different ways. First, you can use the image control functions on your HP digital camera. (Along with the color and black-and-white options, you can also opt for sepia to give your photos an old-fashioned feel.)
Second, you can use digital-imaging or photo-editing software on your PC to convert color photos into black-and-white. (Your program may refer to black-and-white as “grayscale.”) An added benefit of using digital- imaging software is that you can also experiment with brightness, contrast, and other settings to heighten the impact of your pictures. Read Advanced Photo Editing for ideas and inspiration.
The building blocks
What do you need for picture-perfect black-and-whites? Consider these suggestions:
- An HP digital camera for snapping great pictures.
- An HP printer, such as an HP Photosmart, HP Deskjet, or HP all-in-one, for outputting crisp, vibrant pictures
- HP Photo paper, such as HP Premium Plus Photo Paper, for creating long-lasting prints that look fresh from the photo lab.
- An HP 59 ink cartridge (designed for Photosmart printers) for accurate images with true hues: rich blacks, vivid whites, and shades of gray.
If you’re ready to get serious about black-and-white photography, consider an HP Photosmart 7960 photo printer: the only printer with HP’s innovative 8-ink printing technology built right in. Read more about the possibilities of 8-ink printing.
Photo-snapping tips
What's the cardinal rule when sizing up potential snapshot scenes? Think in black and white. Here are a few tips and techniques:
- Be open to possibilities. In black and white, almost anything can be beautiful.
- Heed your own emotions and intuitions. Black-and-white photography can be very personal and poignant.
- Think details. The tiniest element can become an integral, dramatic component of a black-and-white photo.
- Get creative. Experiment with interesting angles, textures, shapes, and shadows.
- Practice, practice, practice. Keep shooting and you’ll find out what works (and what doesn’t!) and develop your own style.
Black-and-white photo fun
With your photos in hand, you’re ready for the real fun to begin! Black-and-white pictures are ideal for sharing, cherishing, and displaying … especially with a few creative embellishments. To showcase your favorite shots, try our specially designed Black-and-White creative projects.
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