Great post and sound advice, Marcel! I seem to have wasted many years of my youth only chasing golden hour and feeling discouraged on overcast days. Once I realized how wonderful soft light can be for B&W, it opened up a whole new world for me photographically.
Also on this topic of color vs B&W, I really liked a comment Michael Beecham made in one of his notes the other day: “Colour images help me see what’s there. Black and white images help me feel what’s there.” That completely rings true for me.
I think learning black and white can actually be the best learning point for beginners. For me, black and white shows me how to focus on contrast above all else, and ultimately, in color, the importance of separation to draw the eye where you want it.
Great list Marcel. I've been doing the "squinting" since, forever, but never thought about composing as if it were a drawing. Great idea, I'll give that one a shot!
Great list! And I agree that one does not always have to wait for perfect lighting conditions. Some times choosing black and white over color can be the solution or vice versa.
Great post, Marcel. Thank you for the photos and for the advice. As someone who likes to use both color and black and white, I can always use a conversation about the benefits of each. I read this a few times.
Since I abhor waking for sunrise or waiting for sunset, black and white is perfect for that harsh midday sun, especially if you like high-contrast photographs. These rules also reinforce the idea of intentionally shooting black and white and not just seeing if a picture looks better in BW in post.
Good one! Well said and illustrated. I would also suggest to collect a few books of the masters of black and white. These can help you think about how compositional elements differ from those you might see working in colour, who knows, you may actually see something in a book that you can go out and do yourself right away!
Wonderful examples, Marcel and thoroughly agree with all your tips, especially appreciating how certain colours translate into BNW and how tonal contrast is important. 👌🏻
Sound advice Marcel - the trick with squinting the eyes works so well. I have to admit I much prefer to photograph b&w on overcast days especially when it come to woodland photography.
Thanks Marcel for sharing, I’ll keep your advice in mind 👌
Thank you, Leon
Excellent post, Marcel.
Great advice here, Marcel!
Thank you, Susanne
Great post and sound advice, Marcel! I seem to have wasted many years of my youth only chasing golden hour and feeling discouraged on overcast days. Once I realized how wonderful soft light can be for B&W, it opened up a whole new world for me photographically.
Also on this topic of color vs B&W, I really liked a comment Michael Beecham made in one of his notes the other day: “Colour images help me see what’s there. Black and white images help me feel what’s there.” That completely rings true for me.
Yes, that is a wonderful quote.
I think learning black and white can actually be the best learning point for beginners. For me, black and white shows me how to focus on contrast above all else, and ultimately, in color, the importance of separation to draw the eye where you want it.
Separation is a great tip, not only for b&w though.
Great read, Marcel. Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Matt.
Great post Marcel, timely too as I am going on a B&W workshop today. Thanks for the tips.
Thank you Pat. Enjoy the workshop!
These are fantastic tips and dare I say, I don't recall anyone on the professional side ever sharing them.
Great list Marcel. I've been doing the "squinting" since, forever, but never thought about composing as if it were a drawing. Great idea, I'll give that one a shot!
Great list! And I agree that one does not always have to wait for perfect lighting conditions. Some times choosing black and white over color can be the solution or vice versa.
Thank you. And most surprises come from weather conditions you wouldn’t expect.
Great post, Marcel. Thank you for the photos and for the advice. As someone who likes to use both color and black and white, I can always use a conversation about the benefits of each. I read this a few times.
Cool Tom, thanks!
Since I abhor waking for sunrise or waiting for sunset, black and white is perfect for that harsh midday sun, especially if you like high-contrast photographs. These rules also reinforce the idea of intentionally shooting black and white and not just seeing if a picture looks better in BW in post.
Exactly, knowing what to look for prevents disappointment when editing a color photo to black & white
Good one! Well said and illustrated. I would also suggest to collect a few books of the masters of black and white. These can help you think about how compositional elements differ from those you might see working in colour, who knows, you may actually see something in a book that you can go out and do yourself right away!
Great addition, Søren. Any reason to collect photobooks will do, haha, but you're right. Studying the masters is very helpful.
Wonderful examples, Marcel and thoroughly agree with all your tips, especially appreciating how certain colours translate into BNW and how tonal contrast is important. 👌🏻
It really is. Understanding tonal contrast changes everything.
Sound advice Marcel - the trick with squinting the eyes works so well. I have to admit I much prefer to photograph b&w on overcast days especially when it come to woodland photography.
Thanks Lin, I prefer overcast days as well.