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Black and white photos are considered to be a lost world these days by some. When you can play with a wide range of colors with powerful pixel cameras, why limit yourself to be in mere two colors? However, the fact is that these black and white photos can appear more catchy and stunning when compared to its equivalent color picture. Also, the color pictures, at times, can be a real distraction. Getting rid of these constraints can yield more focus on the given subject. Knowing these elements in and out can actually help you to have an edge over your photography skills, which can also be beneficial while taking pictures with a color camera.

Focus the shape and form

By removing the colors from a picture, you are actually making it free from the distraction that color can bring. Thus you are bound to be more focused and can give more attention to the shape and form while getting any shot, and what you get, may be the best picture you have. So, you get a picture focused more on the shapes and form to get an intriguing composition.

Keep adding contrast

Acting on the idea of contrast can work wonders. Try introducing contrasting shades in your picture to differentiate color elements in your scene. Using contrast can bring focus to your main subject which can make it stand out differently in the picture. Clicking a photo of some shining object in a dark background can be a perfect example to this idea. Later you can add a number of tones and shades in your picture.

Stress on patterns and textures

Many patterns can become more noticeable in a black and white photo. In a color photograph the patterns can be lost since the color itself draws your maximum attention towards it. So, when you take a black and white photo, you are likely to have more chance of getting the pattern as it focuses the attention on various shapes of any viewer than in any other color picture. So, stress on the pattern aspect while taking a black and white picture. Similar is the story with textures, when you pay more attention to them, you are likely to get different results. So, stress on these two factors and get a mind blowing black and white photo.

Keep the ISO low

This is what we do while taking color photos, however, it's good to be careful when taking black and white photos to keep the ISO low. Using a high ISO will introduce noise into the picture. While many photographers find this okay in black and white photography, as it may carry a more artsy look, it's still good to capture the best possible photograph any time you can.

Make smart use of lights

Playing with lights properly can do magic in your black and white photograph. It can give patterns, textures and shapes a new edge, so use your eyes while using lights while you shoot for black and white photos and pay attention to how those lights create interest in the shadows or increase the contrast of existing patterns and forms.

One common thing which black and white photographers or filmmakers say often is to see things in black and white. How true! Though you can enjoy loads of colors in a color photograph, it is equally true that a real beauty lays in black and white photography. Many experts opine that you can master your color photography skills by starting shooting black and white. So, even though some may find that B & W photography is obsolete we all know it is still instrumental in being a good launch pad for advanced color photography.

About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger whose passions are writing and photography. She is always on a lookout for latest news related to tech help and tech innovations. In her free time she loves reading novels or playing video games on her newly bought XBOX.

Photograph: Under the Bridge II by LINCOLNOSE2®

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