A primer on black and white nature photography
Unlike the typical colors associated with the great outdoors, the black and white photos of nature show a completely different side, capturing beauty in the purest form. Such photographs have an otherworldly feel that captures what it looks like stepping outside. In this blog post, New York-based nature photographer Evan Dombroski introduces black and white nature photography to his readers.
The eyes see in color but perceive contrast, texture, and lines in black and white. These are the three elements in a composition that photographers should highlight when shooting in black and white. Take note of the form of the subject and let it dominate the image. The image should allow the viewer to recognize the form immediately, even without its usual colors.
Contrast and changes in tonality form texture. Through black and white photography, capture the essence of different textures. When the images trigger responses, either positive or negative, the images are effective. Lines lead the eyes to go about the entire composition instead of getting stuck dead center. Photographers and audiences alike map eye movements and learn more about framing through black and white images of lines.
For Evan Dombroski, high-contrast images tend to look harsh while low-contrast ones have a softer feeling to the eyes. It’s integral to remember that without colors, the important elements in an image are tonality, contrast, lines, forms, and textures. Composing images in mind affords photographers top-quality photos that are effective lessons and examples on both nature and black and white photography.
