Monochrome is a favourite filter we use when taking photographs. Black and white is a timeless pair depicting the luxurious details of the subject. The neutral shades have always made a great combo. They add a somewhat timeless beauty to the object in consideration.
Some of the greatest photographs have been shot in the black and white mode. Even in this era when we have options to click photographs in colour, some of us choose to use black and white because the end results are overwhelming.
Especially when it comes to capturing moments in nature or simply taking photos of the landscape, the black and white mode of the camera enriches the subject details.
Landscape photographers have produced some of the masterpieces using the monochrome setting.
Key aspects for black and white landscape photography
An epitome of gorgeousness
Why do landscape photographers mostly prefer black and white over colour filters? Both being neutral shades reveal a higher level of purity and timelessness. When considering Panoramic Landscape Photography, professionals head to the wilderness to capture what is most exquisite from their perspective. Almost all the times, landscape photographers aim to cover shots especially in the break of dawn. The softer glow of golden hour enriches the ambience creating a stunning backdrop, which can be best depicted through the black and white lens work.
As believed and witnessed, the golden hour brings along with it a soft orange light which in the monochrome version turns silvery grey adding a dramatic impact to the landscape photography.
Accentuating the beauty that lies in contrast
Black and white is most suitable for landscape photography seemingly because the technique involves the use of stronger tones. From pure white to deepest black and everything counted in between, the contrasting pair highlights the subtlety present in shadows.
Intriguing textures
While black and white may alone signify the strongest combination in the world, the duo meanwhile refers to aspects such as texture. Yes! When it comes to Panoramic Landscape Photos, photographers especially focus on the texture of the frame which can be accentuated by the black and white mode. Whether it’s the smoothness of the sea or the cragginess of mountains and cliffs, the subtleties are widely observed with the black and white lens.
Attention to detail
Irrespective of whether you are getting set to take colour photographs or those in black and white, when it comes to focussing on the subject, especially a landscape it’s important that you take the compositions into account. As you narrow down on a prospective subject and aim for the frame, make sure you have considered certain key aspects in mind. Monochrome photography is all about capturing the beauty in every detail. Intricacies play an important role. When taking a shot, it’s the tone of the frame you must pay attention to. Remember monochrome has this special ability to represent colours in a different version. All you should keep in mind is to strike a balance between all elements included in the frame.
Have you heard of zoning? This approach involves segregating a scene into 10 different zones, upon understanding these zones it becomes easier to standardise the entire process of capturing. Monochrome photography gives you the opportunity to capture right kind of exposure to various lighting scenarios.
The author is a professional photographer who takes special interest in Panoramic Landscape Photography. Through most blogs he has tried to explain the key details involved in photography.