Lighting: The Soul of Black and White Photography
Although every photographer cannot overstress the importance of
lighting in colour photography, lighting is the heart and soul of a black
and watch image. What makes a black and white photo elegant, powerful,
and sometimes mysterious are the shadows that define shapes, details,
and textures. And there’s no other way to create shadows than through
lighting.
In black and white photography, the absence of light is as important as
the highlights. Achieving deep shadows is a surefire way to emphasise
depth and add a whole new character to the photo. Indeed, lighting takes
on a crucial role in black and white photography. It can either wash out
the entire image or create a dramatic mood through shadows and soft or
sharp tones.
To get the kind of drama you want in a black and white image,
experiment. Take pictures of the same scene at different times of the
day when the lighting is of different intensities. and you'll see how
light and shadows can affect the mood of the image. Also you can try
taking a picture of the same subject in both bright and cloudy days.
Although some professional photographers use artificial lighting, which
they can control, especially for an indoor photo shoot. But most prefer
natural lighting and just enhance the highlights and shadows using a
photo-editing software. In some situations, though, one might need
additional lighting to create special effects and extra luminosity.
Unlike in colour photography where it's advisable to take pictures with
the sun on your back, a black and white photo is best shot when you are
facing the sunlight. Why? Because having the sun behind you will make it
harder to bring out high contrast and deeper shadows that make a
colour less image come to life.
Never underrate the important role of light and shadow in creating mood.
A somber scene can result from dark tones. Light tones, on the other
hand, bring out a more delicate and upbeat atmosphere. A dark photo with
lots of deep shadows require lots of bright light. You get a good mount
of light you need during midday and late afternoon. Meanwhile, softer
tones are best achieved when light is more diffused and shadows are
reduced. Pictures with lighter tones are best taken during misty, foggy,
and rainy days.
Silhouettes are made through a different approach to using light. They
can be created by having a very bright light from behind the subject.
When taking photos of landscapes, you may shoot directly toward the sun
to create soft silhouettes of nature against the sky.
The angle of light is also a big part of creating special dramatic
effects. In photographing portraits, for example, ensure that the
lighting is from an angle that produces shadows in a person’s facial
features. This gives a flattering effect and more depth to the resulting
photo.
Most digital cameras come with light controlling and light filtering
features, but it is up to you to create shadows and silhouettes through
your own perspective. Experiment what works for you, practice as much as
you can, and master the basic rules so you'll know when and how to break
them. |
