If you combine two of the most fascinating branches in photography (totally subjective comment 😉) what do you get? The black and white portraits, of course. Don’t tell me that as a photographer of any kind you have never taken a portrait? You may have gotten this far without photographing a building or a flower, but a face? I bet you do and, moreover, several times. And I would find it hard to believe that you have never taken a black and white photograph. Whether directly from your camera or transforming it later, I would dare to say that you have done it and, also more than once, am I wrong?
Be that as it may, whether you are passionate about black and white or not, I recommend that you take a look at the following selection of portraits. As we have recommended to you more than once, inspiration comes through multiple paths, one of them is looking at images of others, so relax and take a look at the following images, I hope you enjoy them 🙂 . But first, let me recommend this mega guide that we have prepared for you on portrait photographywhere you will find tricks, tips and inspiration to achieve the most spectacular portraits.
And if what you need is to delve deeper into black and white, we also have something very special for you. In this very complete guide you will find everything you need to achieve impressive black and white photographs.
1. A noisy image
Noise in an image is not always annoying, it can also be deeply pictorial and evocative, as in the following image.
2. High contrast photography
The high contrast (profound difference between lights and shadows or between light and dark) can give us images like the following, which not only impresses due to the treatment of light and contrast, but also and above all because of the message that the image conveys, Don’t you think?
3. A dose of originality for black and white portraits
The different frames usually make us stop more before an image and get involved in it. How did I do it? Where are the legs? Who is this gentleman in the hat? Is he a self portrait? Oh no, it’s a photograph of a photograph! 😉
4. Black and white portraits and double exposure
We have already discussed this technique step by step on a few occasions in this blog, you can see how to do it here, and the results of the blog followers here, in the double exposure challenge.
Black and white double exposure example
5. Low key black and white
It is another of the techniques that we have already discussed on the blog. If you have a dark background, a punctual light and some patience, you can dare with this technique. I assure you that the results are fantastic. I recommend this article where it explains the low and high key step by step.
6. Black and white in high key
If what you are looking for is an image full of light, pure and positive, you only need a white background and follow the advice in this article and be inspired by the results of the challenge we had on this topic here.
7. The everyday
It is not the first time that we comment on the importance in photography of the objects and people that surround us; of the everyday as an eternal source of inspiration. It is not necessary to go to the Orinoco Delta to obtain wonderful images of animals. If you have one, you don’t even need to leave the house, and if you don’t, it’s a great excuse to make a book of your pet for a friend while you practice and do and undo to your liking 😉
8. Symbology
The abstract, the mysterious and/or the conceptual, link very well with black and white. Don’t forget to exploit its possibilities 😉
9. Image processing
Whether you are from the “purist” branch (the less retouching the better) or from the “instagram generation” (where not using a filter is almost unthinkable) to convert an image to black and white, you always need processing. It is up to you to stay with the type of processing that defines you and in which you feel comfortable. Like everything, it is a matter of practice and trial and error.
10. The importance of the environment
We have already commented on more than one occasion, the importance of everything that surrounds the protagonist of the image. Ideally, the environment reinforces the subject, makes it more interesting and highlights it.
A well-chosen environment increases the interest of the image
11. Silhouettes
We have already commented on how well formal compositions look in black and white photography, right? 😉
Silhouettes and formal compositions
12. Do not limit yourself to the gaze of the human being
An intense look is in any animal species, you don’t have to limit yourself to that of human beings.
looks
13. Black and white textures
Texture is a very important element in black and white photography, since by stripping color images, the rest of the elements become much more relevant, including texture.
textures in portraits
14. Don’t limit yourself to faces
Look for original frames, new points of view, what really inspires you and give free rein to your imagination 😉
Don’t limit yourself to faces
Have you already decided to abandon color for black and white? 😉 Has it at least inspired you enough to try immersing yourself in the wonderful world of monochrome for a while? Be that as it may, I hope you have enjoyed the images and that they have inspired you to what we always try to promote on the blog; for you to practice 🙂
And now you know, if you liked it, it was useful to you, and you think someone else might be interested in reading it, don’t hesitate to share it on your favorite social network: Facebook, Twitter or Google +. And as always, thank you very much 🙂