There has always been something special about black and white photography. In the absence of colors, only dull monochromes play the game. Just form, light, shadows, and the stories they tell. The game of monochrome requires only “focus.” Once you start to play this game, you come across contrasts, the structures, and the emotional depth in a frame that color can sometimes dilute.
In a video about black-and-whites, Faizal Westcott discusses that colors aren’t distracting. It’s just that black-and-white changes how we see things. I totally agree with him. I get caught by subtle details like gentle changes in light, textures on the ground, and how shadows fall across a face in the absence of colors. These elements define the mood and meaning of images.
Learn to See in Tones, Not Colors
Personally, I convert my images to black and white after capturing them in natural color. And probably everyone finds that easier. However, Faizal shared a tip that I liked. He says that shooting in black and white from the beginning shifts your perspective.
Faizal demonstrated it by showing us an example. He switched his Fujifilm X100F camera to Acros black and white film simulation. He defines the way your brain gets a little makeover. Instead of capturing a scene, you start to think about tones. Highlights and shadows become your tools. The interplay of contrast and movement makes everything feel more organized. It develops a more focused approach rather than a nostalgic one. That’s why I think black and white photography can be a strong asset in your toolkit.
Why Monochrome and Street Photography Go Hand in Hand?
Street photography can be embraced by black and white photography. Faizal discusses masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, and Vivian Maier who favored this style. He says that these artists didn’t always choose black and white. It was often the only film available. Working with limited resources can spark creativity. Similarly, their creativity showcased emotions and gestures through monochrome. Peeling away distractions to reveal the real scene.
When I tried to do the same, it changed my perspective. The images turned out to have refined compositions and a deep emotional touch.
Inspiration from Roger Deakins
Faizal shares an inspiration about Roger Deakins. Have you heard about him? He is an Oscar-winning cinematographer who also captures monochromes. Faizal explains Deakins as someone who knows how to narrate a story through different shades and tones. His photographs seem like scenes from an unwritten movie. Faizal’s inspiration isn’t baseless. You can learn from Deakins’ style. Notice how he uses shadows to highlight a subject or how a bright sky contrasts with a dark outline. Of course, a frame looks good when mood, narrative, and design are found altogether in it.
As you can conclude, I agree with Faizal. Black and white photography isn’t only about showing creativity. Skills matter the most. If you don’t have skills, you can’t produce creativity.; they goe hand-in-hand. In this regard, black and white photography sharpens your skills and helps you concentrate on the essential elements of an image. Trust me, it becomes pretty addictive when you start capturing monochromes.
I have a little challenge: use your camera in black and white mode for a week. Don’t do any editing. You can capture photos in monochrome and see what you discover. I recently tried this, and it completely changed how I perceive light and shadows. Even when I capture in color now, I’m more aware of tones and contrasts.
So, could you give it a try? I would like to hear from you!
