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Black-and-white is back because it’s part of the
power of photography. In today’s color-
saturated, manipulated-image world, black-and-
white feels real. To many, it looks fresh. Black-
and-white is back because brides want to see
black-and-white photos in their wedding
albums. Black-and-white is back because it’s
still a great way to learn about how film “sees”
light. The bottom line: Black-and-white
photography is back because it’s beautiful.
power of photography. In today’s color-
saturated, manipulated-image world, black-and-
white feels real. To many, it looks fresh. Black-
and-white is back because brides want to see
black-and-white photos in their wedding
albums. Black-and-white is back because it’s
still a great way to learn about how film “sees”
light. The bottom line: Black-and-white
photography is back because it’s beautiful.
Black-and-white is educational
Black-and-white photography is a great
way to learn about the photographic
medium. Concepts of highlight and
shadow detail, image contrast, film and
exposure latitude, and tonal range are all
best understood by studying the
black-and-white image.
The educational value of black-and-white
film is not limited to making
black-and-white images. Color silver
halide images are actually made out of
three (or more) layers of black-and-white
images that interact with color couplers to
produce layers of color dye. Viewed
together, they give the illusion of a full
range of colors. Whether learning to
Black-and-white is back! |
control color film and prints or even the different layers of a color image that has been scanned into a
computer, the more you know about contrast, exposure latitude, and highlight and shadow areas of
black-and-white images, the greater your color mastery will be.
Even if accomplished and comfortable working in color, you’ll derive great benefit from learning about
black-and-white photography.
Traditional film
To choose from the full range of films for black-and-white, it is necessary to visit a good camera store,
either locally or online. Chances are there isn’t even one roll of black-and-white film, much less a
computer, the more you know about contrast, exposure latitude, and highlight and shadow areas of
black-and-white images, the greater your color mastery will be.
Even if accomplished and comfortable working in color, you’ll derive great benefit from learning about
black-and-white photography.
Traditional film
To choose from the full range of films for black-and-white, it is necessary to visit a good camera store,
either locally or online. Chances are there isn’t even one roll of black-and-white film, much less a
decent selection, at your local drugstore or big
discount store. This is where the specialty store shines.
When you find a good store, you’ll find a variety of
great black-and-white film in various speeds. The
number that accompanies each film is its ISO or
speed. The higher the number, the “faster” the film –
meaning it is more sensitive to light. For most users,
we recommend using a 400-speed film; and for low-
light situations, we suggest trying one of the 1600 or
3200-speed emulsions.
discount store. This is where the specialty store shines.
When you find a good store, you’ll find a variety of
great black-and-white film in various speeds. The
number that accompanies each film is its ISO or
speed. The higher the number, the “faster” the film –
meaning it is more sensitive to light. For most users,
we recommend using a 400-speed film; and for low-
light situations, we suggest trying one of the 1600 or
3200-speed emulsions.
There are other film stocks to consider,
such as Kodak BW400CN. It’s a 400-
speed, black-and-white film that can be
processed in conventional color negative
chemistry, a process technically known as
C-41.
While we’ve discussed only traditional film-
based materials, keep in mind any color
photo can be converted to a black-and-
white image on a computer. Several digital
cameras on the market also allow users to
capture images as black-and-white. How’s
that for a comeback?
Prepared by New York Institute of
Photography.
For more tips, visit
www.nyip.com.
such as Kodak BW400CN. It’s a 400-
speed, black-and-white film that can be
processed in conventional color negative
chemistry, a process technically known as
C-41.
While we’ve discussed only traditional film-
based materials, keep in mind any color
photo can be converted to a black-and-
white image on a computer. Several digital
cameras on the market also allow users to
capture images as black-and-white. How’s
that for a comeback?
Prepared by New York Institute of
Photography.
For more tips, visit
www.nyip.com.