You have a nice camera, and now you want to learn how to create quality black and white photos. With the advent of the digital camera, the methods and techniques for creating black and white images have changed drastically since the days of film. There are many ways and techniques that can be used to get high quality monochrome images.
The goal of Black And White: From Snapshots To Great Shots is to provide step-by-step instruction from taking the shot, through the color conversion, and final processing, so that you can create great images. Black And White: From Snapshots To Great Shots is 240 pages in length and is contained in six chapters.
Chapter One, "Equipment and Settings," begins with the concept that it is the photographer that takes a great photo, not the camera. But even with that, there is a certain amount of equipment that one needs to have at their disposal. This becomes the essential kit.
In this chapter you will look at what is in the author's camera bag and why. This includes camera, lenses, flash cards, tripod, cable release, filters, levels, lens cleaning solutions, as well as things that don't go in to the field like post processing software, and monitor calibration equipment. Batdorf also looks at camera settings and provides tips to understand color.
Chapter Two, "Composition and Light," looks at the basics of what constitutes a beautiful black-and-white photograph. To create one you not only have to have the necessary ingredients, but you must bring them together to create a coherent image.
Now you look at the different kinds of lighting – low key, high key, and how these can affect your image. You look at contrast, composition, shapes, forms, lines, and textures. You will also look at motion, framing, and even when to break the rules.
Chapter Three, "Exposure," is about getting the shot. It is through the understanding of exposure and knowing how to create the right scene that is critical to the creation of your vision. This comes with practice and the building up of confidence over time. Soon you will gain your own feel and technique for getting the right shot.
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