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10 Famous Photographers That Shot in Black and White

Source: Unsplash

Photography is an art form with a shorter history compared to others like painting or sculpture. However, it still boasts some important names that deeply influenced the art world.

Whether they photographed portraits, fashion, landscapes, or still nature, the following names have taken iconic images throughout history that have shaped the way black-and-white photography is regarded today.

In this article, we will take a look at the most revered photographers and their contributions as respected artists. Many of these names have inspired me in my work as a photographer, which you might notice in my online portfolio.

10 Famous Black-and-White Photographers in History

Source: Unsplash

From a renowned war photographer to a woman who took some of the most famous portraits of all time, this list will take you through ten of the most important names in fine art photography and explain how they contributed to the art of monochromatic images.

1. Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson, hailed as the most influential photographer of the 20th century and the father of photojournalism, co-founded Magnum Photos and left a legacy that continues to inspire. 

Born in France in 1908, Cartier-Bresson transitioned from painting to photography in 1929, driven by a gifted camera. His purchase of a Leica in 1931 defined his street photography style, capturing spontaneous, fleeting moments he called ‘the decisive moment.’ His iconic black-and-white images, like ‘Place de l’Europe Gare Saint Lazare,’ exemplify his mastery. 

Cartier-Bresson’s approach teaches photographers to immerse themselves in their surroundings and let images emerge naturally, making him an example for any fine art photographer.

2. Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams, one of the most famous landscape photographers, is known for his striking black-and-white nature photos that express deep emotion. 

His work, featured in In the National Parks: Photographs from America’s Wild Places, expertly plays with light and shadows to highlight the vastness of natural scenery, letting viewers appreciate its grandeur. Adams’s talent was first noticed during a 1916 family trip to Yosemite, where he used a Kodak Brownie camera. 

His impressive career transformed landscape photography, and his monochrome images continue to influence and inspire photographers, proving the power of black-and-white photography.

3. Robert Capa

The documentary photography of the D-Day assault by Robert Capa, who was born in Hungary, is, without a doubt, among the finest photos of our time. The two most prominent and well-known of his images are The Falling Soldier and a photo of a soldier in the renowned assault on Omaha Beach.

All of Capa's work during his lifetime was monochrome. He documented numerous conflicts through photography, including the World War II Omaha Beach invasion, the Indochina War, the Spanish Civil War, the Second Sino-Japanese War, and the Arab-Israeli War of 1948.

4. Harold Feinstein

Harold Feinstein is a highly acclaimed New York City photographer known for his stunning black-and-white images of the iconic Coney Island, where he was born and raised.

Coney Island, which Harold deemed a photographer's paradise, quickly became his favorite location to capture on film. Here is where he composed the majority of his masterful black-and-white photographs.

He started taking pictures when he was 18 years old and quickly became successful. When he was in his 30s, critics considered him a pioneer of the New York school of photography and an expert in his field.

5. Martine Franck

Her documentary and portrait work brought her international notoriety as a photographer. Focusing on important cultural figures like painter Marc Chagall and philosopher Michel Foucault, among many others, she frequently favored black-and-white photography over color.

Magna Brava: Magnum's Women Photographers showcases her remarkable body of work and solidifies her position as a photography legend.

6. Fan Ho

Fan Ho is known for his work as an actor, director, and photographer. In his groundbreaking use of a film camera to capture black-and-white images, this self-taught photographer changed the face of photography forever. 

His honest, black-and-white photography captures ordinary life through the utilization of unique light and shadow. Pictures of children, street vendors, slums, alleys, and city life were among his most popular works.

7. Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange, a key figure in American photography, began as a portrait photographer before shifting to documentary work. Her black-and-white photos focus on the human element, using portraits to tell compelling stories. 

During the Great Depression, Lange's powerful images of the struggling middle class earned her significant influence and success. Her work, including the famous Migrant Mother photo, showcases the emotional depth of black-and-white photography. 

8. Herbert List

Herbert List was an innovative photographer who revolutionized portraiture, still life, and fashion photography. The minimalist arrangements that he used, drawing inspiration from the surrealist and Bauhaus schools of thought, brought out the sculptural qualities of his subjects in his groundbreaking work. 

He was one of the most influential photographers in the Fotografia Metafisica style and a major force in the development of the medium; his use of monochrome tones further underlined the classical tone of his work.

9. Sebastião Salgado

The monochromatic photos created by Sebastião Salgado are famous for their strength and ability to convey profound problems that our generation is grappling with. Throughout his nearly fifty-year career, he has visited over 120 countries, shooting what are arguably some of the most moving and unsettling photographs ever seen and working on many ambitious documentary projects, the most recent of which being Amazonia. 

Salgado collaborated closely with twelve indigenous communities over six years to take hundreds of breathtaking black-and-white photos that portray the Amazon's spectacular majesty, extraordinary biodiversity, and rich cultural diversity.

10. Elliot Erwitt

Born in Paris, Elliot Erwitt spent the next seven decades amassing a vast and varied body of work that has inspired and impacted photographers and fans for decades. 

His body of work spans several photographic genres, from photojournalism and commercial photography to street photography, which features some of the most beautiful and iconic photos of its kind. His ability to portray the world as it is, together with his skill and devotion to his art, are all evidenced by his lasting impact.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fashion photographer, a landscape photographer, or anything in between. If you want to master the art of black-and-white photography, learning about those who have taken some of the most famous images in history is an important step in developing your artistic vision and career.

Have you heard about any of these photographers before reading this article? If so, which? Let me know in the comments below!

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Having Your Photo Taken? These Are The Main Steps of a Photoshoot

Image by Freepik

Are you planning to have your photo taken? Even though it’s the photographer who will be doing most of the work, it’s still useful to know what to expect.

From preparing before the shoot to all the work that takes place in post-production, there is more to a photoshoot than just poses and camera clicks. By knowing exactly what a photoshoot consists of, you can show up with appropriate expectations and make the process easier for both yourself and the photographer.

Let’s delve into the main steps of a photoshoot!

1. The Prep

This stage comes with multiple steps, in order to get everything together before the actual shoot. Among the most important aspects we can count:

The Initial Conversation

This is basically the first research step of the photoshoot. It’s important to clearly convey to your photographer what your vision is, what purpose the photos serve, and other aspects that might seem minute but can make or break your shoot. Here are some questions your photographer might ask you:

When will we shoot?

What is the theme?

Are these pictures for you or someone else?

What is the purpose of the shoot?

Is this a professional or personal photoshoot?

What is your deadline for the final pictures?

Be as communicative as possible and try to give as much information as possible from the get go!

The Styling

Clothes are a big part of any photoshoot. If you are having professional shots taken, then appropriate attire is imperative. If you’re going for a nostalgic theme, then some retro outfits could bring everything together.

If your photos are just centered around you, then try to choose an outfit that brings out your best features, and dress in colors that compliment your complexion. Same goes for make up and hair – make sure that everything comes together to tie in with the theme and purpose of your pics.

Hiring professionals for make up and hair is almost always a great idea. Even if you’re confident in how you do your daily make-up, a make-up artist with experience in photoshoots will know how to adapt your usual look for the cameras and lighting.

The Location

Last but not least in the prep stage, establish the location of the shoot. A studio photoshoot is easier to set up, and will most likely only require you to book a space. However, for outdoor shoots, more things come into play.

Location scouting will take some time, and even when you do settle on a place, you’ll have a lot of other elements to consider – time of day for the shoot depending on lighting, the possibility for bad weather, how public the place is, and so forth. As a pro tip, if you’re on a tight deadline and don’t have the flexibility to reschedule in case of bad weather, consider having a back-up indoors location.

2. The Photoshoot

Image by Freepik

Every shoot is different, because so are the subject and photographer. The photoshoot is perhaps the most straightforward part of the process – it’s where the client and photographer create what will later become some amazing pictures.

Photoshoots require some creative directions, which (unless you are having a big, commercial photoshoot) will more often than not come from the photographer themselves. Keep an open mind and try to follow their indications, because they know what it takes to get the best shots.

Photographers know that being in front of the camera can be uncomfortable, especially if it’s your first photoshoot, so they’ll do their best to help you relax and transform the shoot into a great experience. Try to enjoy yourself, and you’ll notice it reflects on the images too!

3. First Edits

How many photos will be taken on the day of the shoot is not how many photos you will receive. Most often, out of tens of images with each outfit or background, you will only receive one or two final ones. 

The photographer will carefully select the best images, and do some minor touch ups at this stage such as color correction or exposure adjustments. For those who didn’t opt for heavy editing in the initial prep stage, this is the last step of the photoshoot. You can expect to receive this version of your pictures as soon as two days after the shoot.

4. Heavy Editing

As a general rule, this stage is not “included” in the photoshoot and will cost you extra. That is because heavy retouching takes a lot of time and effort, and the photographer deserves to be appropriately compensated for it.

This can include:

Skin retouching

Background cleanup

Cropping and framing

Object removal or addition

Selective edits

Special effects

Color grading

Cropping for different platforms

Detail enhancement

File exporting and optimization

This step will most likely add some time to the delivery deadline of your images, but it will be worth it when you’ll get your pictures!

Final Step: Get Your Final Images!

Once the editing is done, you’ll receive your final images. They are usually delivered online, but in some cases you can also get an USB-stick, CDs/DVDs or even prints (for an additional cost).

Properly preparing for a photoshoot and understanding everything that is about to take place makes the process smoother for both you and the photographer. Skipping over parts of the prep stage will most likely lead to lost time during the next phases, when you’ll inevitably have to clear some things up.

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Getting The Perfect Shot: How to Prepare for Your Portrait Photo

© David Schmid

Whether you need your portrait photo taken for professional or personal reasons, the goal is to get good images that reflect your natural glow.

While the photographer is in charge of most things – lighting, camera, angles, editing – there are things you can also do to ensure the photoshoot goes smoothly. For the portrait photos to turn out perfect, there has to be a smooth collaboration between the subject and the photographer. 

Here are a few ways you can prepare before having your portrait photo taken!

1. Communicate With Your Photographer

First and foremost, make sure all the details are clear between you and your photographer before the shoot. Discuss concepts, vision, the type of photos you need, and all other relevant details beforehand.

It might be easier to share photo concepts and examples with them to showcase your vision as clearly as possible. A great way to do that and create vision boards and other useful visual guidelines is through Pinterest.

2. Choose Your Clothes Wisely

Your clothing can determine the results of your photoshoot more than you realize. For a professional shoot, wearing business attire is important to convey the right message. For more casual photoshoots, you can play around with styles and colors a bit more.

Determine the theme of your shoot and try to figure out a few outfits that will match. Moreover, pay close attention to the colors you will wear. Some colors may look better in black and white photos, while others may be better suited for color images.

If you’re unsure what works, you can consult with your photographer. After all, they are a professional and can give you valuable tips based on experience.

3. Eat and Rest Beforehand

Photoshoots are lots of fun, but they are also tiring. To be in good spirits, as well as look your best, make sure you show up to your photoshoot after a good night’s sleep. Eat something and drink water to be energized and hydrated while you snap the photos.

It may not seem like much, but after a few hours of taking photos and changing outfits, you will feel the difference.

4. Plan Hair and Makeup

© David Schmid

If you’re getting your hair and makeup done professionally, then it’s a good idea to discuss your vision beforehand. Find inspirational images and do your research on looks that will match your photoshoot theme.

If you’ll be doing your own hair and makeup, take the time a few days before to practice your look. This way, you won’t have any unpleasant surprises on the day of the shoot. Try to keep in mind best practices for photoshoot makeup, like for example what powder to use to not get flashback.

This way you’ll not only get the best portrait photos possible, but you’ll also have more confidence and feel more at ease under the camera lens.

5. Have a Backup for Outdoor Photoshoots

A lot of portrait photoshoots take place in studios. However, some prefer to have them taken outdoors, with beautiful scenery behind. While that is an idea that can bring great results, it also means your photoshoot will be subject to changes in the weather.

Lighting differs depending on the time of day, so it’s good to determine a best time with your photographer to take outdoor photos. Moreover, your photoshoot plans can be quickly ruined by rain. Since rescheduling is often not a possibility, try to have a backup location like a studio.

6. Don’t Overlook the Details

Your appearance is not just about your hair, makeup and clothes. There are many details that can make or break an image. Make sure you’re clothes are not just stylish but also properly ironed, for example.

Make sure your nails are manicured, and that your accessories match your look and theme. It’s recommended to wear more subtle accessories for portraits, so they don’t distract from the subject – you! 

Another pro tip is to make sure you wear glasses that are not reflective, as they can affect the quality of your pictures.

7. Learn What Happens After

While your part is mostly over after the shoot, your photographer still has a lot of work to do before they deliver your images. 

Images have to be selected and edited, as the first shot is far from the final product. It’s also important to determine whether you want your images delivered to you digitally or you want them in print. Having them printed and perhaps framed will add more time before you get your hands on the final product.

In short, get familiar with your photographer’s process beforehand and make sure you can accommodate their entire process so you get the best final results. It may take a few weeks, but the wait will be worth it!

You’re Ready for Your Portrait Photoshoot!

As a final tip, don’t forget to have fun! Having your photo taken is supposed to be a pleasant experience. Relax, and that will also reflect in your photos. Your photographer will do their best to create a safe and comfortable environment for you. Embrace it!

What experiences have you had with portrait shoots? Tell me in the comments!

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How to Improve Your Photography Skills in 8 Easy Steps

Image by freepik

Photographs are a fascinating artistic medium because they permit you to capture the world as you see it. 

No matter where you are on your photography journey, the prospect of constantly learning and refining your craft might be overwhelming. But if you take the correct strategy, you'll have no trouble making great strides. 

If you want to become a better photographer, this article will show you eight simple steps to achieve that. From understanding your camera to mastering editing techniques, these tips will help you take your photos to the next level and unlock your creative potential.

8 Steps to Help You Improve Your Photography Skills

Photo: Felix Peter

1. Take Time To Study

Knowing the background of your craft is essential if you want to improve photography skills. Familiarity with the works of notable trailblazers and contemporary masters is essential. 

Having this knowledge will help you comprehend the development of the art form and will also spare you any uncomfortable situations while conversing with more accomplished artists. Discovering the influential people and events in photography's history will teach you a lot about the methods and styles that have molded the industry. 

Insight into the past can help you develop as a photographer by illuminating your own work in perspective and generating ideas for fresh approaches. 

2. Understand Your Equipment

It takes a lot more than "point-and-shoot" to take a good photograph. Knowing your camera features can greatly enhance your photo-taking abilities. The user's manual is your best friend when you want to get to know all the camera settings and functions. 

If you are familiar with your camera’s capabilities, you will be well-equipped to capture better images. Taking a photography course is a great way to learn the ins and outs of cameras, as the subject is often covered extensively.

3. Practice Often

Photography is one of the industries in which practice really does almost always make perfect. Carry your camera about with you at all times and make it a habit to photograph at least once a day. 

Your abilities and imagination will both benefit from even a brief daily commitment of five to ten minutes. The more time you put into taking pictures, the better you'll get at it.

4. Find Inspiration

To further develop your photographic talents, it is essential to seek inspiration everywhere. Finding novel and interesting ways to photograph everyday objects is a great approach to broaden your creative horizons and gain a new viewpoint. 

Try looking at ordinary objects like a bar of soap, a glass, flowers, leaves, or even a crossing sign from different heights, depths, and angles to notice how they change. Taking pictures of flowers from below, for example, reveals a new angle and changes the focus point. 

Figure out what inspires you to take pictures, whether it's a particular scene, time of day, or location. Holding on to these early sources of inspiration will keep you enthusiastic and motivated, which will lead to improved photographic abilities.

5. Learn From Photographers You Admire

Gain a deeper understanding of photography and your own abilities by studying the works of your favorite professional photographer. Find what you like about their artistic expression and try to incorporate it in your own work.

Mastering the four pillars of photography—composition, lighting, concept, and perspective—requires extensive study, and there is no better way to do it than by studying the work of established photographers as well as those in your own circle.

6. Learn About Editing Software

It is crucial for photographers to have the ability to use image editing software. Make sure your images are up to par with professional standards by enhancing and refining them with its help. 

To take ordinary photos and turn them into works of art, editing software lets you do things like fix exposure, tweak colors, erase flaws, and add creative effects. On top of that, it gives you the freedom to express your vision and style in a creative way. 

7. Work on a Project

One of the best ways to get better is to set goals for yourself. Not only will it keep you from neglecting your camera, but it will also sharpen your sense of composition. 

The nature of your project is totally up to you. One option is taking photos every day for a year, while another is to focus on a specific location, emotion, or topic. Shoot film or use a digital camera. The important part is consistency!

Whether you choose landscape photography or want to focus on portraits, you’re guaranteed to improve your skills by remaining consistent with your project of choice.

8. Build a Portfolio

Until you have finished editing and put your work in a portfolio, no one will be able to appreciate it to its maximum potential. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a physical or digital photography portfolio. 

Taking the next step in your photographic journey requires you to understand the best ways to present your work. In addition to showcasing your technical skills, a strong presentation effectively conveys your creative vision, which in turn attracts prospects and clients. 

To showcase your talent and advance your photographic profession, mastering this aspect is vital.

Ready to Reach Your Full Potential?

Improving your photography skills doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these eight easy steps, you can enhance your technique, expand your creative vision, and produce stunning images that reflect your unique perspective. 

Remember, practice and patience are key to growth in any art form. As you apply these tips, you'll notice a significant improvement in your work and gain the confidence to experiment further. 

Keep exploring, stay inspired, and enjoy the journey of capturing the world through your lens. For photography inspiration, check out my portfolio!

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7 Things You Didn’t Know About Black and White Photography

© David Schmid

Black and white photography is a popular art. Chances are, if you are interested in photography at all, you have learned a thing or two about it simply by browsing the internet.

However, there are certain fun facts that not many people know. In this article, I want to explore a few of the lesser-known secrets of black and white photography.

Let’s start breaking down seven of these facts!

7 Facts About Black and White Photography

© David Schmid

Did you know these seven things about black and white photography?

1. It Can Be Cost-Effective

For several reasons, black and white photography might be more affordable. First off, compared to their color counterparts, black and white film and processing chemicals are frequently less expensive. Additionally, because black-and-white photo processing requires less work, printing black and white photos might be cheaper.

Digital black and white photography reduces the need for expensive color ink and equipment by removing the necessity for color calibration and printing procedures. A lot of black and white photographers use natural lighting to reduce expenses associated with artificial lighting.

2. Black and White Film Can Be Developed at Home

Monochrome images can be developed at home , providing photographers with an accessible and affordable choice. Basic tools required for the procedure include chemicals (developer, stop bath, and fixer), reels, a thermometer, and a developing tank.

Even beginners can get good results with proper timing and temperature management. Black and white film development is more forgiving and easier than color film, which calls for exact temperature control and extra chemicals.

Home development is a popular option for hobbyists who prefer having a hands-on role in their photographic process. That’s because it enables photographers to experiment with numerous processes and preserve creative control over their work.

3. B&W Developing Can Leave You With a Secret Treasure

If you decide to develop your own black and white film, you can retain the used developing fluid to reclaim the silver residue left over from the process.

This silver can be extracted through methods such as electrolysis or using a silver recovery unit. However, the amount of silver in each batch of used developer is minimal, so significant quantities require extensive film development.

Despite the effort, silver recovery can be an environmentally friendly practice, reducing waste and providing a small return. For avid photographers developing film regularly, this process can be both an intriguing hobby and a minor source of reclaimed material.

4. Clouds are Not Your Enemy

Overcast days could prove beneficial when taking photos in black and white mode. Clouds produce smooth, soft lighting that lessens harsh shadows and highlights because they appear white and filter sunlight. Regular lighting draws attention to textures and details, enhancing the definition of the subjects.

The black and white film catches the subtle tonal differences in the clouds and environment, which color photography might miss. Regardless of the weather, the absence of color highlights contrast and composition, making for dramatic and melancholic photos.

Thus, a clouded sky becomes a creative asset ideal for black and white photography.

5. Black and White Images Can Also Benefit from Colors

Using color filters in black and white shots can significantly alter the tones and contrast of your images. Yellow, orange, and red filters are particularly effective.

A yellow filter subtly darkens the sky, making clouds more prominent, while an orange filter enhances this effect further, providing a dramatic contrast between the sky and clouds. A red filter creates the most striking contrast, turning the sky almost black and making white clouds stand out vividly.

These filters also affect other elements in the scene, enhancing skin tones and reducing the appearance of haze, allowing photographers to creatively manipulate the tonal balance and mood of their photos.

6. It Makes for Great Portraits

Because color distracts from emotions, expressions, and textures, black and white photographs are excellent for portraiture .

Viewers are able to concentrate on the subject’s eyes, facial features, and the interaction of light and shadow because there is no color. This improves the image’s depth and tone, frequently giving it a timeless, classic vibe.

Black and white portraits also highlight the subject’s inherent beauty by minimizing imperfections and evening-out skin tones. Black and white photographs frequently suggest a closer, more intense bond between the person and the observer because of their restrained color scheme.

7. It Can Have a Psychological Impact on the Viewer

Viewers are particularly affected psychologically by black and white photography, which frequently evokes feelings of timeless nostalgia. The lack of color makes the focus on textures, forms, and contrasts, which leads to a more introspective and concentrated experience.

The storytelling and emotions can be enhanced by this simplicity, giving scenes a more dramatic or emotional quality. Furthermore, because black and white photography has historically been connected to documentary and classic art, these photographs frequently convey a sense of authenticity and gravity.

A monochrome image encourages viewers to interact more fully with the subject and the underlying narrative by eliminating the distracting element of color.

Final Thoughts on Black and White Photos

Next time you plan on taking a monochrome photo or are just admiring some black and white photography, keep these fun facts in mind! From collecting leftover silver to using color filters, there are plenty of interesting things to discover about this art.

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The Ultimate Guide to Portrait Photography for Beginners

© David Schmid

Portrait photography is one of the most beautiful branches of photography. It allows us to capture people in different instances, conveying their uniqueness in both staged and candid situations.

In this article, I will present a few beginner tips for getting started with portraiture, and delve into the different portrait styles. My goal is to help you make the first step in your portrait photography journey.

Without further ado, let’s talk portrait photography!

What is Portrait Photography?

It may seem like an obvious answer, but it’s still important to define concepts when you start to learn about them!

A portrait is a photograph of a person or people taken in a portraiture style. The subject usually knows to sit in a certain spot since they are aware of the camera, but candid shots can also be portraits.

There is an artistic foundation to portraiture. The royal family and other notable people’s pictures were often commissioned by artists who would depict them in their finest attire and with their most treasured possessions. The invention of photography leveled the playing field for portraiture and turned it into a means of recording the passage of time from birth to death.

Portraits might feature people sitting, standing, or even engaged in motion. Portrait photographers can capture the full body, the top half of the body, or simply the head and shoulders.

6 Things to Consider When Taking Your First Portraits

When working on your portrait photography skills, take these important things into consideration:

1. The Subject

The subject is arguably the most important part of your photo; after all, they are what you want to capture. It’s good to start by taking portraits of people you know, such as family members or friends. This will ensure that the subject is more relaxed in front of the camera, thanks to your relationship.

The more relaxed both you and the subject are, the more successful you will be at taking great portrait photographs.

2. The Location

Your location will dictate other important aspects of your portrait photo such as the lighting and background. If you want to have more control over these, you can opt for an indoor photoshoot.

However, if you want to practice outdoor portrait photography, take into consideration how light will change throughout the day and what other background disturbances may occur.

3. Framing and Composition

Instead of centering the subject in the frame, you might use the “rule of thirds” to your advantage, i.e., place the person in the left or right third of a picture and leave the other two thirds more or less free. Keep an eye out for background distractions and experiment with different framing options until you find one you like. Collaborate with the subject to test out several positions and choose the best one.

4. Lighting

The quality of the lighting is crucial to the final product of any photograph. In good lighting, you should be able to capture great portrait photography; in poor lighting, you will have a much more difficult time doing so.

If natural light proves too tricky, then reflectors, LED Lights, or flash/studio lighting can help you get stunning portraits.

5. Focus

A lot happens when you focus on different things in photography, and you should know this applies to portrait photos as well. One thing that all portraits have in focus is the eyes — in fact, it can be almost unsettling to look at a picture with a person whose eyes are out of focus.

6. Editing

As any famous portrait photographer would probably tell you, people tend to forget that editing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of photography. It is also what can end up differentiating a good photographer from a great one.

© David Schmid

The Main Portrait Types

There are many ways in which a portrait can be captured, depending on the framing, location, subjects, and overall idea behind the photoshoot.

Traditional

Most people think of the traditional portraiture approach when they consider photography. The typical elements included in this kind of portrait photo are the shoulders and head. Studio photographs with a formal backdrop are common in this classic style.

Lifestyle

Capturing an individual or a group in a natural or relatable environment is the main focus of lifestyle portraits. In many cases, the subjects are shown going about their normal routines without any staging.

Lifestyle photographers typically avoid positioning their subjects when shooting this style of portrait. Photos taken in natural settings, such as a family’s house, a restaurant, or any other social gathering, will convey more realism.

Environmental

The goal of environmental portraits is to freeze time in a setting that has personal significance for the subject. The spectator gains a sense of the subject’s character through this kind of portraiture.

Both the setting and the posing skills play a big role in this kind of photography. Unlike lifestyle photography, environmental pictures are more formal. In most cases, the position and lighting are set by the photographer who is recording the scene.

Candid

In terms of portrait photography, it is likely the most authentic style. The reason behind this is that street and candid portraits are not staged.

No posing is necessary for this subgenre of photography. Those who work as street photographers frequently capture candid moments with random individuals they encounter while out and about.

Editorial

This is the type of portrait photography used in magazines and other media.

While the style may overlap with other types of portraiture, its final goal is to convey a story — either the story of the subject or a story related to an article. The styling and setting of these portraits matter immensely.

Fine Art

The method used in creating fine art portrait photography is highly creative. Both surreal and conceptual portraits fall under this style.

To capture portraits in this style, photographers need to tap into their inner artists.

Self-Portrait

Selfies have, in the last several years, cast a shadow on traditional self-portraiture. In contrast to the casual selfie, self-portrait photographers put a lot of thought into the setup and execution of the shot.

Surreal

A subgenre of fine art photography, surreal portraits are characterized by an ethereal quality reminiscent of dream photography. Some post-production work and the use of special effects are required to get the desired fantastical results.

Conceptual

A conceptual portrait is a picture that conveys the essence of a concept, similar to a photograph used as an illustration. Messages or abstract ideas are the intended targets of this style of portrait.

Final Thoughts

What stands between you and opening a portrait photography business is study and practice. These portrait photography tips are meant to be just the starting point to your journey into portraiture.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, don’t hesitate to check out my portfolio of black-and-white photography; you will find some portraits sprinkled in there.

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The Secrets Behind Good Black-and-White Street Photography

© David Schmid

If you think street photography is just about pointing a camera at varied people and moments on the streets, think again. There are numerous things to consider before taking street photos if you want them to turn out at peak quality.

Street photographers use their art to capture unique moments of everyday life. Taking great photographs on the street, whether of interesting people or candid scenes, calls for not just the necessary gear but also the correct intuition and lighting reflexes.

It’s precisely the spontaneity of these images that gives them nuance. Candid photography transcends the feeling of a staged photoshoot and gives a true rendition of life as it appears naturally. In this article, we will discuss a few street photography tips to take your craft as a street photographer to the next level.

Whether you are at the beginning of your journey, already have some experience with street photography but want to escape your street photography fear, or simply want to read up on a new topic, this article will uncover some valuable insights about black-and-white street photographs. 

6 Secrets Behind Good Street Photography

© David Schmid

Let’s get straight into the tips, so you can start taking amazing black-and-white photographs right away:

Make Use of Natural Lighting

When shooting street photography, you'll probably have to rely on the surrounding light. Few street photographers use flash or any other kind of artificial lighting. Therefore, it's important to take street shots in a style that complements the light.

You shouldn't venture out on overcast or rainy days expecting to take high-contrast black-and-white street shots. Moreover, find some shade if the light is too harsh and you'd like to get softer shots. It is also recommended to stay out of the direct sunlight, but this will depend on where you take the pictures.

Prioritize Facial Expressivity in Street Portraits

The ability of black-and-white photography to draw more attention to faces than color images is one of its greatest strengths.

Pay close attention to the people in your images. You should be doing this anyhow, but while shooting in black and white, make sure to focus on the facial expressions and eyes for the most striking results.

Stay away from those who aren't open about how they're feeling. Seek out those who possess that unique characteristic that sets them apart. Because of this, it's not uncommon for regular folks to make the most stunning images.

Shoot Your Images in RAW

Camera settings are an important part of any type of photography. Even though RAW will shoot in color, it contains all the necessary information to produce high-quality monochrome images.

Given how fleeting and dynamic street images are, this is of paramount importance. Because the light is both imprecise and changes so rapidly, you will frequently miss perfectly composed shots. With RAW, you'll have greater leeway to edit and transform them into stunning monochrome images.

Still, many photographers prefer JPEG because of the great built-in black-and-white profiles on modern cameras, and it's not a bad choice. It merely limits your options for post-processing photo corrections. Plus, you may always use those black-and-white profiles while editing your RAW file.

Stay Consistent with Your Photography

This specific advice is particularly for those who wish to showcase their images – whether it be in a gallery, or on a viewing night with friends. Documentary photography, for example, relies on consistency to tell a full story. 

Many times, it's best to stick strictly either to solid colors or black-and-white while assembling a project of your work. The audience can fully immerse themselves in the work's content as a result of the continuous world-building provided by the photographs.

It is helpful if the photos you edit together have a consistent style. Make an effort to transport your audience to a monochrome universe.

Stay Focused and Adjust Your Settings

When shooting in black and white, pressing the trigger at the right time is essential, as is paying close attention to the camera's settings for the optimal shutter speed. The difficulties of street photography are magnified when the subjects are in motion. 

It calls for a good stance, careful adjusting of the camera's settings, and a laser-like focus. If you want to get good at this, you have to try a lot of different things until you find the one that works for you and can consistently capture those little moments when they happen on the streets. The payoff for all that hard work, though, is priceless.

Be Patient and Attentive

If you want your street photos to turn out well, one thing you need to do is be patient. By taking your time, you can anticipate when the light will be ideal for your photo shoot. This type of photography records everyday life, therefore it needs to occur as naturally as possible.

This piece of advice applies to every kind of photography, not only black-and-white street photography. Keep your eyes peeled, and your pace slow once you've found a decent position. Taking pictures doesn't necessarily require constantly changing your location. If you are patient, the decisive moment will likely come to you. 

Conclusion

Landscape photographers, documentary photographers, and portrait photographers have been making use of these six tips to elevate their images. To capture fleeting moments and transform them into fine art, you need skill, precision, patience, and the right equipment.

For some examples of black-and-white people and street photography, check out my portfolio.

[david-schmid-photo]

How to Capture The Perfect Black and White Portrait

© David Schmid

Black-and-white photos, while widely known, are often misunderstood. Some view them as an afterthought — a way to edit a color picture we’re not fully happy with. 

With that mentality, we miss the true beauty that black-and-white portraiture can bring. From evoking emotion to highlighting certain features, there is a lot you can do with a black-and-white portrait.

This article will discuss the whys and hows of capturing beautiful black-and-white portraits. So get your camera ready, find your muse, and let’s see how you can bring your black-and-white photography to the next level.

Color vs. Black-and-White Portraits

This might be a matter of personal preference or pure practicality. Black-and-white typically leads to more dramatic portraits.

With portraiture, there are specific considerations to bear in mind when making this decision. The first one is your subject and whether the use of color is essential. Is their hair a vibrant shade of color or do they wear clothes that stand out?

Secondly, consider the setting or backdrop. Does the color scheme play a significant role in the shot you're capturing?

Black-and-white portraiture could be an option for you if you answered no to these questions. Most importantly, this is because it eliminates background noise. Additionally, black-and-white portrait photography brings out the subject's best features.

Lastly, the significance of mood and ambience is another key factor to think about. Although black and white portraits are commonly thought of as having a somber or depressing tone, that is not necessarily the case.

6 Tips for Capturing a Beautiful Black-and-White Portrait

© David Schmid

A lot must be considered with black-and-white images, and these are my top six tips for you when shooting a portrait.

1. Make Black-and-White Your Mindset

Using black and white as a post-production experimental decision is something that many photographers incorrectly do. Black-and-white portraits have their own particularities, therefore it is important to start your photoshoot with black-and-white in mind.

Rather than treating black-and-white as an afterthought, adopt a perspective that is consistent with black-and-white portraiture. Think ahead and choose if you'll be shooting in color or not. When you go into making an image with the intention of turning it black and white, you can ensure it has all the makings of a great monochrome shot before you even click the shutter. 

You have to change your strategy when dealing with black-and-white images because they are distinct from color photos. For example, the most striking black-and-white pictures often showcase striking lighting, distinct facial expressions, and a wide range of tonal contrasts. 

For the greatest effects, plan to shoot in black and white ahead of time because these elements are hard, if not impossible, to adjust after the fact.

2. Set Up Proper Lighting

Lighting matters a lot in black-and-white portraits. It's not just about brightness; lighting shapes how the picture looks and feels. Light and shadows highlight the face, making features more noticeable. 

When done right, it also brings out textures and gives the photo a timeless quality. In black and white, there's no color to grab attention, so lighting becomes crucial. It sets the mood and captures emotions, making the photo more about the person. 

Without good lighting, a black-and-white photo might look flat or dull. It's like the secret ingredient that turns a regular picture into fine art.

3. Choose The Right Pose

When experimenting with black-and-white portrait photography, it could be tempting to go for a more dramatic and atmospheric approach. But there is an option to get a more candid shot of your subject if you choose.

Black and white doesn't have to be all film noir; in fact, it may bring forth humor and enjoyment. Just as much as color portraits may bring out a subject's smile, black-and-white photography can do the same.

4. Use Tethering

Simply said, tethering is the process of linking your camera to a mobile device or computer. With this easy setup, you can view your images on a bigger screen right away, giving you a better idea of what the final image will be like.

Tethering is a lifesaver when shooting with a camera that doesn't have an electronic viewfinder with a high pixel density. The large screen allows you to see the exact effects of your black-and-white settings as they happen. Instead of winging it, you may now make calculated modifications while shooting.

5. Use a Wide Aperture

Using a wide aperture, such as f/1.4 to f/2.5, in black-and-white portrait images will create a bokeh effect and draw attention to the subject's eyes or other focus points.

With a wide aperture and a sharp focus on the subject's eye, you can also blur their facial characteristics. This can also be striking in monochrome, which forces the viewer to actively choose how to distinguish between foreground and background elements in the absence of color.

6. Consider High ISO

Generally speaking, you should aim to avoid using a high ISO setting. At extremely high ISO settings, it can also reduce an image's sharpness, contrast, and clarity by producing noise.

Nevertheless, when shooting black-and-white portraits, using a high ISO isn't necessarily an issue. It may even be something you decide on. Changing a noisy, high-ISO color image to black and white can make it easier to work with. It has the power to transform an ordinary photo into an artistic masterpiece.

Final Thoughts

As any portrait photographer will tell you, when done right, black-and-white portraits can convey much more than you’d first expect. By following these tips, you can shoot your own black-and-white masterpieces.

If you’d like your black-and-white portraits shot professionally, don’t hesitate to contact me about your photoshoot!

[david-schmid-photo]

Beyond the Camera: 5 Advantages of Black and White Photography

© David Schmid

Are you an aspiring photographer and want to try black-and-white photography? Or perhaps you’re just curious why this type of photography is so popular among established photographers.

Either way, I plan on unraveling the mystery for you in this article. Black and white images are beautiful, and there is thought behind opting for them. Monochrome images come with a series of advantages that photographers know how to tap into – and soon, so will you.

The Advantages of Black and White Photos

Without further ado, let’s dive into the advantages of capturing a black-and-white photograph:

1. Timelessness

To start with, the fact that black-and-white photography has been around since the dawn of the camera makes it impossible to immediately assign a certain era to a black-and-white photograph. 

Particularly in the realms of apparel, company logos, automobiles, and architecture, color schemes can and do evolve. 

Consequently, datable elements are easy to spot in color images, but may be considerably more elusive in black and white. This particularly applies to landscape photography, yet the same can also be said about portraits. 

2. Eliminates Distractions

While it's great to live in a colorful world, there are times when it becomes too much. In particular, when reduced to black and white, a number of visual distractions that are present in color disappear.

In a color portrait, a striking floral pattern might stand out, but when converted to black and white, it's almost hard to see. A striking blue sculpture in the foreground of a cityscape might, for example, become an attractive neutral tone after being converted to black and white.

Color also has the potential to take away from other design elements that should be highlighted, such as texture, lighting, shape, and form. Black and white photography brings out the depth and texture of worn tree bark that is full of subtle features. Color, on the other hand, has the opposite effect and distracts the eye, making it hard to grasp the photo's central message.

By removing any potentially distracting hues, black and white helps keep the viewer's attention squarely on the subject at hand.

3. Sets The Mood and Emotion

When it comes to capturing emotions and atmospheres in photographs, black-and-white shots work like magic. They avoid using a plethora of colors in favor of various black and white tones. Because of this, the contrast between light and dark areas is more pronounced, giving the images a unique vibe. 

It's as if ordinary time is transformed into an enduring memory. 

Try to visualize a cityscape shot in monochrome with a lone figure. The lack of vibrant hues creates an atmosphere befitting a moment of reflection. The once blue sky, now grey, carries a lot of symbolism. 

A monochrome image has a certain emotional resonance. It evokes emotions and conveys stories that bring the visuals to life. In doing so, each photograph becomes a fragment of history and a window into the emotions of the people captured.

© David Schmid

4. Encourages Creativity

We can assume that color photography is more accurate and illustrative, since that is how the world is. In contrast to monochrome photography, which merely portrays an alternative reality that appears more imaginative and subjective, color photographs portray the world as it truly is.

To some extent, black and white photography can assist you in liberating yourself from specific limitations. 

In a colorless environment, you are not constrained to depict reality as it is. Instead, you are free to depict your observations, which may include intriguing shadows, lovely textures, unexpected relationships, etc.

In the end, removing color means taking away the viewer's familiarity with the image. Now that color is out of the question, how can you grab the viewer's attention? Well, you may be creative, play around, and portray the world in a whole new light.

5. Fixes Lighting Issues

Among the many viable options for dealing with lighting issues in photographs, black and white photography stands out. It does a better job than color photographs at dealing with different lighting conditions.

It draws attention to deep blacks in high-contrast situations, illuminating compositional structures. The mid-range tones are brought out more, making the shifts between grey scales more noticeable.

Through black-and-white conversion, the high-key and low-key possibilities make it an ideal medium for capturing both light and dark images. It is a trustworthy tool for photographers due to its ability to handle a variety of lighting conditions. 

It goes beyond being a mere filter, fixing your photos so they look great no matter the lighting conditions, and transforming obstacles into possibilities for artistic brilliance.

Conclusion

These advantages should give you insight into why photographers opt for black-and-white, and how they expect their art to benefit from that. Monochromatic images bring a lot to the table – the emotional side paired with the advantages of lighting and creativity.

If you want some important events from your life captured in black-and-white, or you just want to immortalize a place or a person, contact me and let’s set up your black-and-white photoshoot.