COMPOSITION

LEARNING ABOUT BLACK AND WHITE

PHOTOGRAPHY
 Learning about Black and White
Photography
• Monochrome photography relies much more
on texture, framing and composition than color
photography.
• Lighting is also different for black and white. A
greater emphasis is placed on contrast and
subtleties.
• Photographers must learn the differences to
effectively shoot in black and white.
 Identification
• identify subjects that stand out in monochrome
• Because there is no color to draw the eye,
shapes and textures are much more important
• Large and bold patterns are dramatic They can
be emphasized by bright light
 Types of Light
• To convey a romantic or dreamlike feeling, use soft light
outdoors on a cloudy or foggy day.

• For stunning wide shots of scenery, use the harsh light of

the sun in the middle of the day with its finely cut shadows.
• Light the subject from behind to create a mysterious
silhouette effect.
 Features
• Effective composition can make a monochrome picture
striking. For example, framing the shot with a tree branch
or an archway establishes the setting and draws attention
to the lighter portions in the middle of the frame.
• A fence or road angling away into the horizon makes a
dramatic statement and draws the eye along its line
• Composition is far more important when there is no color.
 Effects

• effective for images where a classic, historic or

timeless look is required.
• This is why monochrome is so popular with
journalists, artists and wedding photographers
• This forces you to focus on the content of the
picture rather than the color.
 Lines
• Lines guide the viewer’s eye from one point to
another through the photo.
• Look for lines that lead towards your main
subject.
• Avoid lines that lead the viewer’s eye out of
the photo.
• Remember, lines can be curved as well as
straight.
 Lines

The lines created by the boat ramp in this

photo lead the eye from the edge of the frame
to the centre. The eye follows the route a boat
would take from the land to the sea.
 Lines

The converging lines in this photo are very

powerful, leading the eye from the foreground
to the horizon. It’s a very dynamic
composition. Diagonal lines add a sense of
movement to a photo, and help you create a
photo with impact.
 Foreground Interest
• Don’t neglect the foreground in your photos.
Ma
• don’t compete with or distract attention from
your main subjectke the foreground work for
you
Foreground Interest

The main subject is in the foreground. Here,

the crater is the main subject. The steam,
mountains and the sky are the supporting
elements.
 Negative Space
• the area around your subject.
• Negative space gives the subject room to
breathe.
• It can also convey a sense of the subject’s
environment.
Negative Space
 Shapes and Patterns
• Look for interesting shapes and patterns. They
can be patterns in nature for example, or the
shapes of buildings against a clear sky. Once
you’ve found something interesting, get in
close and concentrate on the shape or pattern
that caught your eye.
Shapes and Patterns

This photo of lily pads is composed of a series

of circular shapes.
 Contrast
• contrasts between old and new
• light and dark
• rough and smooth
• solid and blurred
• warm and cold.
 Contrast

These flowers are a good example of colour

contrast. The dark red flowers contrast against
the green background. The colours are also
complementary, which means they work well
together.
 Contrast

There are two types of contrast in this photo.

The first is the contrast between the white
water and the dark rocks. This is called tonal
contrast. Tonal contrast is essential for black
and white photos and is also very effective in
colour. The second type of contrast is between
the stones and the water. The water is soft and
blurred, and the rocks are hard and sharp.
 Keep it Simple
• Decide what the most important elements of
the photo are, and eliminate anything that
doesn’t contribute.
• Every part of your photo should be earning its
keep. If it’s not needed, leave it out.
• Your compositions will become simpler, bolder
and more effective. Your photos will have more
impact and your message will be communicated
to the viewer with clarity.
 COMPOSITION
• The Rule of Thirds
• Simplicity
• Leading Lines
• The Natural Frame
• Contrasts
• Point of View
• Rhythm
 The Rule of Thirds
• Simply put, you draw 2 imaginary lines (both horizontal and vertical) at equal
distances from each other essentially dividing your image into thirds, hence the
rule of thirds. Basically, the rule is based on the theory that the eye is naturally
drawn to those "thirds" and the points at each intersecting line.Here is an example:
Rule of Thirds: Horizontal
Rule of Thirds: Vertical
Rule of Thirds: Intersections
Rule of Thirds: Intersections
 Simplicity
• 1- Get in close. To easily remove some of the distractions around your
subject is to zoom in on it
 Simplicity
• Simplify your background. You don't always want to get in really close to
compose your image so the next thing to do is to remove the "clutter" from
your background so that the eye isn't distracted away from your main subject.
 Leading Lines
1- Creating Depth. Using leading lines like a road or a path for
example, can add a 3D effect to an otherwise 2D image. It will create
the illusion of depth like in this image of a road in Western Canada.
 Leading Lines
• 2- Focus on the Subject. You can use leading lines in your
image to lead the viewer towards your main subject;
basically guiding the eye to the focus of your image.
 Leading Lines
• More Dynamic. Leading lines also make your images more
dynamic. Usually, that will be achieved with diagonal lines
 The Natural Frame
• You can also use an element inside your frame to act
as a frame. To be considered a frame, the general
consensus is the the framing element should cover
at least 2 sides of the photo. It could be on either
sides or in a L or U shape. It could be be almost
anything. Most commonly used are trees or window
frames.
• The natural frame will bring depth to the photo as
well as bring emphasis on your main subject
The Natural Frame
The Natural Frame
 Contrasts
• If you want to make your main subject stand
out, it needs to be different from the rest of
the image. It can be different in many ways.
Most commonly, you'll find a
lightness/darkness contrast and/or strong
color contrasts. To help with
lightness/darkness contrasts
Contrasts
Contrasts
 Point of View
• Take the time to observe your subject or your
subject's entourage.
From Above. Get as high as you can over your
subject. Look at it from above. If you can't get
above it, bring it down. Use what you have
around you like a ladder, a chair or even your
rooftop
From Above
From Below
At Subjects level
 Rhythm
repetition of a subject. This technique is used
to create a dynamic impact in your image. The
eye will follow the repeated subject
throughout the photograph.