Do you know when to take travel photos in color and when to take them in black and white?
Colors make a photo come alive. As you know, a lot of post editing of a photo is about “bringing out the colors” and adjusting the white balance to adjust the “temperature” of the photo. However, there are times when we feel less is more. Black and white being “less” that is.
Colors are Faded, Harsh Shadows
You must have heard that the best time to take photos is early in the morning after sunrise and a couple hours before sunset. At other times, the sun may cast too harsh of a shadow on your subjects and at other times may cause the colors to be faded.
When this happens, we prefer to take our photos in black and white. We find that the shadows and the faded colors actually “enhances” the black and white photo that we take. Here are some examples of pictures we took at Plaza Mirador de San Nicolas in Granada, Spain (TIP: This is a great location to take a great photo of the Al Hambra by the way).
Textures and Details
Another time that we take black and white travel photos is when we are intrigued by the details and texture of a scenery. By removing the colors, your eyes will tend to focus on what’s left – the details and textures.
Here, the eyes tend to focus on the delicate texture of the branches and the brick detailing of the church.
Another example of when you want to focus on the details by removing colors. The texture and details of the walls surrounding the man is enhanced in this black and white photo.
We loved the various different trees that decorated the place. By making this picture black and white, you can’t help but notice the delicateness of the branches of these trees without the distraction of colors.
Atmosphere and Emotion
Last but not least, we feel that black and white photos can help convey a certain “atmosphere” or “emotion” of the scene. Most commonly, we tend to take black and white pictures to convey a sense of serenity, peacefulness, loneliness, ruggedness and dryness (think deserts). See below for some examples.
We like how by taking this photo in black and white, it conveys how serene, peaceful and “silent” this place was when we were there.
Another peaceful scene we wanted to capture. We can almost see this picture being titled “A journey begins with a step”. Also, in this picture, the cobblestone walkway’s details are enhanced.
Despite the number of tourists surrounding this man in this area, the man was in his own world, playing his music with all his heart. We tried to capture this “alone-ness” through this black and white picture.
TAKEAWAYS:
- We take black and white photos when the sun casts too harsh of a shadow on our subjects and when colors are faded due to the bright sun (happens a lot at around noon).
- Removing colors from a picture will force the eye to focus on what’s left – the details and texture.
- Color is crucial in conveying the “emotion” of a picture. Black and white to us brings with it a sense of calmness, peacefulness, loneliness and ruggedness (think deserts and “old school-ness”).
- Most compact cameras today have a black and white setting. If you are unsure how a scene will look in black and white, use this setting to “preview” what your picture will look like.
- Everyone has their own style and preferences when it comes to taking black and white photos. Shirlene likes to take black and white photos directly using her compact camera’s black and white setting because her camera does a great job at black and white photos. Most of the photos above were taken using Shirlene’s compact camera. Jeremy however likes to take photos in full color using his SLR and then make the photos black and white in post editing for the flexibility. Try both out and see what suits you best.
When do you take black and white travel photos? When do you not take black and white photos? Do leave a comment!
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39 Comments
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Interesting tips! Thanks for this. I have taken quite a few B&W photos in the cities that I have been to. However it really depends on the mood. Never really thought about the technical side of it 🙂
RaW recently posted..Indonesia: Top Things to Do and See in Jakarta
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Glad you found these tips helpful! We didn’t realize we had a “pattern” for when we took B&W photos until we sat down and thought through it. Turns out the above were the times that we almost always turn to black and white photography!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{Hungary} Buda Castle, Parliament and Fisherman’s Bastion – Stunning Sights in Budapest
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I have a Panasonic camera but I was not able to find where I can use black and white features. I go about it by using Windows Photo Gallery to edit photos, there it is possible to remove colours.
Ele recently posted..Graffiti-
Using software to convert your pictures to B&W also works too! That’s what Jeremy does. He likes to take all his pictures in full color and convert them to B&W using Lightroom. Windows Photo Gallery works too!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{Tips} Family Trips Are The Most Memorable!
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Amazing photography right there! I must say that you are talented and that place is gorgeous. You must have really had an awesome experience during your visit. Thanks a lot for sharing.
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It was definitely a beautiful place and a must visit for everyone!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{Spain} La Alhambra, Granada’s Top Tourist Attraction
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I have to admit that I have taken very few black and white photos. However, you make really good points about when is a good time to take them. I’ve never thought about that. You are right about the light issues – shadows can create a problem. I typically like color ones but some black and white ones can be gorgeous. I love your black and white photos and now may try more of these in the future.
You are right about the peace and serenity of black and white photos.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Walking among the giants: Muir Woods National Monument-
You have lots of great pictures on your site too – looking forward to seeing you B&W photos!
Jeremy & Shirlene recently posted..{Tips} Family Trips Are The Most Memorable!
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{Tips} When Less is More. Black and White Travel Photography http://t.co/8uLfwiso via @idelishTravel
