How to shoot black and white street photography?

There is nothing more classic than black and white street photography. Old street photos exude a more classical charm, make people nostalgic, and make the photos more vivid. How to take black and white street scene photos?

The following are the shooting aspects:

1. Simplify the theme

2. Seize the opportunity

3. Focus on emotion

4. Use flash

5. Shoot with dramatic light

Simplify the subject

Always try to simplify the black and white frame. Aim to keep the scene as small as possible through simple composition. Try using a single object (at least to start with).

When you are ready to take a photo of the street, start with the background. A good starting point is a completely white, gray or black background. Then wait until the appropriate object appears in the frame.

Take a chance

No one can accurately imagine a monochromatic image first. If a photo is taken on film, the photographer has less control over the appearance of the final image. In contrast, shooting with a digital camera and RAW gives you a lot of control over the final look of your monochrome image. If you shoot a black and white JPEG, the photographer will have the same limitations as when shooting on film. Shooting against the light. Try using black and white exposure compensation. Try having exposure compensation of +1, +2, -1, -2 and study the results.

Focus on emotion

Monochrome images look quieter, quieter, sometimes darker and nostalgic. They reflect on the past.

It’s a cliche to avoid shooting in black and white. However, you can take a more interesting approach - try photographing happiness in monochrome. Also try shooting despair. Eliminate a variety of emotions, not just directly associated with a single color.

Use flash

Flash will increase the intensity of the image. Quality photography requires good contrast and dramatic light. If you take a photo in the shade, a black and white photo may not provide contrast and be of aesthetic interest.

Shoot with Dramatic Light

Try to shoot in good light ("golden hours" - sunrise and sunset). As for technical parameters, if shooting in aperture priority or program mode, set exposure compensation to -1 or -2.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to shoot in black and white or color, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to shoot street photography.