Thinking in black & white: let's play with contrast! (please share your shots): One definition of high contrast black and white is that the image contains a full range of tones.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

One definition of high contrast black and white is that the image contains a full range of tones. However, I propose we do away with middle gray for a day :)

Please post images that include high contrast light, such as silhouettes and shadows; a bold study of patterns, lines and shapes...or whatever else youd like!

Let us know if you shot with b&w in mind, and anything you feel is important regarding your vision, pp, backstory, etc. Thanks so much for participating.

A concise how-to for b&w photography (link provided by James R):
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/black-and-white-photography-tips/

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Discarded wheels for irrigation equipment, half buried in snow. Shot specifically for this series. Canon T3i, aperture priority and +1 exposure compensation. Since there was a lot of blue in the snow even with overexposure, prior to the b&w conversion I desaturated the blues in PS Elements. Nik Silver Efex Film Noir pre-set (including frame), red filter (in pp) to help lighten the remaining tones caused by blue shadows, and some cloning of stray weeds.

(Download)

2. Great blue heron enjoying the view from an ospreys nest. Another photo shot for this series, and planned as silhouette. Canon SX50, no time to adjust settings as I was not parked safely; but the sky was fairly light with sun just a bit out of frame to right, and I was able to wash it out more with a Nik Silver Efex high contrast pre-set and blue colored filter in pp.

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ronwande Loc: Hendersonville NC

Linda From Maine wrote:

One definition of high contrast black and white is... (show quote)

Here's one shot with black and white in mind but later processed for higher contrast. I like the shapes.

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

ronwande wrote:

Here's one shot with black and white in mind but later processed for higher contrast. I like the shapes.

Oh, I do too, ronwande. All the tiny details of the tree stand out so well in download, and with sturdy solid trunks (and eye-pleasing curves) - so effective. And the bush adds a sort of counter balance to the whole composition. I really like this; thanks so much for posting!

angela k Loc: Long Island

Since it's basically black and white outside, I thought I'd share this photo.

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

angela k wrote:

Since it's basically black and white outside, I thought I'd share this photo.

And here I sit with sliding door open because it's 63 outside and partly sunny :)

Thank you for this very pretty, but happily far-from-me shot, Angela! I could also see this cropped a bit closer, removing all sky and really focusing on the pleasing lines of the tree trunk taking us up to the tangle of snow-covered branches.

angela k Loc: Long Island

Linda From Maine wrote:

And here I sit with sliding door open because it's 63 outside and partly sunny :)

Thank you for this very pretty, but happily far-from-me shot, Angela! I could also see this cropped a bit closer, removing all sky and really focusing on the pleasing lines of the tree trunk taking us up to the tangle of snow-covered branches.

Lucky you!!! We might reach 50 this week after the torrential rain tomorrow!!

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

angela k wrote:

Lucky you!!! We might reach 50 this week after the torrential rain tomorrow!!

February is always so eventful :)

Thanks for posting the crop. With this version I feel we can better keep our eye on the prize. What do you think, thumb up/thumb down?

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

@ Linda.
Good examples.
I particularly like #1
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I do not have a real lot of these as recent pics, however these are from the achives.

#1 Architectural detail - Very high contrast when shooting this (mid day sun to deep shaddows) so it was a natural.
Probably B&W conversion done in Nik Silver Efex,

#2 The opera house

Were going for 28C or 82F here today and looks like clear blue skies.

Sydney Lace

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Opera house

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pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

argggg... I can't do it - too many grays.

Here is my best stab at it..

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

RichardTaylor wrote:

@ Linda. Good examples. I particularly like #1...

Thank you, Richard!

I am very drawn to the design of #1. I don't think I would have thought to compose as you did, and I really like it.

Sydney Opera House at night, in b&w - a photographer's dream! That is one stunning image, Richard. Love it!

angela k Loc: Long Island

Linda From Maine wrote:

February is always so eventful :)

Thanks for posting the crop. With this version I feel we can better keep our eye on the prize. What do you think, thumb up/thumb down?

:thumbup:

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

pfrancke wrote:

argggg... I can't do it - too many grays.

Here is my best stab at it..

Piet, we are all learning together and sharing; don't get frustrated :) What was your vision for the shot? What drew you to the scene, and what would you like to be the subject?

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Linda From Maine wrote:

Piet, we are all learning together and sharing; don't get frustrated :) What was your vision for the shot? What drew you to the scene, and what would you like to be the subject?

hi Linda,

Perhaps a closer crop, but what drew me was the light and cold outside and the dark warmth inside and the reflecting surfaces.

(Download)

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Linda From Maine wrote:

Thank you, Richard!

I am very drawn to the design of #1. I don't think I would have thought to compose as you did, and I really like it.

Sydney Opera House at night, in b&w - a photographer's dream! That is one stunning image, Richard. Love it!

Thanks Linda - I get to spend a lot of time there, hanging around, as my sometimes sings in concerts.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

pfrancke wrote:

hi Linda,

Perhaps a closer crop, but what drew me was the light and cold outside and the dark warmth inside and the reflecting surfaces.

Here is a quick crop and adjust in a free editor I have on my Chromebook. Though you lose the fireplace mantle, I think you retain the mood, with the cozy chairs. How do you feel about this one?

It does have a lot of midtone grays, but sure is an inviting scene! Maybe even add a steaming pot of tea onto the table? :)