Black + White Photos Critique

I really like shooting in B+W cus i think that it shows a much more graphic image, it can change the entire vibe of a shot. But some things look better in black and white than others, so my only advice to you would be to be more selective with what you shoot in B+W. Once you start shooting with it more you will know what i mean. Also its a good idea that if you see somthing that you want to shoot B+W shoot in in colour as well so that you have an option if one of them looks bad. Just my 2 cents.

Overall yours are good though!

Thanks,

Converting a color image into a monochromatic one doesn't automatically make the image look better. Color photography is comprised of tone and chroma values. When you take away the color, the tones alone don't produce a very striking image. Since black and white photography is purely tones, you have to pay much more attention to the contrast.

This does not just mean crushing the blacks, because that looks like poop. Use luminance curves to get the appropriate low/mid/high relationship. This is why I find working in black and white to be a hundred times harder than working in color...

Also, choose subjects that emphasize texture or use of graduated tone. The 2nd to last photo doesn't offer much because its too flat, and no amount of curve adjustment will fix it; the problem lies entirely in your subject. Notice how Ansel Adams always chose cliff faces, wood grain, or rocks as his subject? Black and white takes VERY kindly to these types of things, so do that.

okay thanks. i understand what you're getting at. I guess i wasnt thinking of creating them into B+W when shooting so it didnt really help in the subject matter.

I think they are all good for b&w except for the second to last. As said, it is just too flat of an image and i don't think upping the contrast at all would help.

the last one is good. You hit the highlights and the darks and the contrast is pretty nicely done.

For the rest, however, (with a slight exception of the third), they look a bit flat for my tastes. I think the first would be just meh if you fixed it, but the second could be really nice. I would fiddle with the curves and contrast to see if you can get something you like. Also, possibly a slight sepia tone would give it more of a pronounced feel, but im not sure. Its something to try if you'd like.

cool shots though! i assume you were in Africa? what part?

thanks for that. will try out a sepia tone or maybe a slight colour in that second one, the problem is it looks like shit in colour for some reason, think it may be because it is quite a flat image.