How to Shoot… Black & White – Documentary Style and People

Documentary style

Documentary photography is often found in black & white, and for good reason; it allows you to focus more on what’s actually happening in the shot, and can therefore become more emotive. If you’re shooting incidental shots or any non-posed portraits, switching to mono can help you create much more impressive results. That’s one reason why it’s still the first choice of many of the world’s top photojournalists.

This picture of Kenyan children has more impact when converted to b&w. Canon 40D, 1/160sec @ f/8

People

Most people prefer their picture in black & white, as it is often far more flattering. Mono portraits avoid rosy cheeks, redeye and reduce the appearance of spots and shiny foreheads. Add to this that black & white portraits can show more emotion, and look classier and it’s no wonder they’re so popular. A must for any monochromatic fan.

 A rather striking portrait. Canon EOS 350D, 85mm, 1/2500sec at f/1.8