There is some mystic appeal in B&W photographs, which is why people are still interested in them. They are timeless and have a story to tell which is not the case with color photos. Though there are not many companies selling black and white rolls, you can still take great B&W photos using your digital cameras as most of them have B&W settings. There are times when a photographer wishes to convey something about the object, but color takes away all the subtle effects. This is when a B&W photo can create wonders. Monochromatic photos make the photos look artistic. You can take these B&W photos anytime as you are not bothered by colors and their matching. Even those who love to dabble with colors find the shades of gray very interesting in B&W photos. Here are some tips to compose a great B&W photo.
Make use of RAW
Using RAW ensures a great B&W photo. You will be surprised to see the intensity of the photo taken in RAW. It allows for experimentation and you gain better control over the appearance of your photos. You can process the photos later using Adobe photoshop.
Use patterns and textures
B&W photos with patterns and textures in the background look great in the absence of colors. No colors means no distraction and one can actually appreciate these textures and patterns. If your object has patterns, taking a B&W photo is much better than taking a color photo.
Contrast is the backbone of B&W
B&W photos can give a dramatic effect if contrast is made good use of. This is why professionals suggest taking B&W photos on overcast days. When there is light in the background and the object is dark, you get enough contrast and the photo will bring to light some details even you did not notice with your eyes.
Low ISO is the key
ISO is a number that indicates the sensitivity of the image sensor. Higher the number is, higher the sensitivity. If you wish to avoid grains in your B&W photos, use the lowest possible ISO.
If you follow these tips, you can take great B&W photos.