BLACK & WHITE ONLY: Nude Photos
Black & white photos have a beauty all their own. This is a place for posting and discussing black & white photos, also monotone sepia photographs as well as the aesthetics of portraying nudity inB & W.
Helpful Hints for Shooting in B&W
Return to DiscussionsI came across the following article online and thought it might make for interesting discussion and/or comments:
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOOTING IN BLACK AND WHITE
Contrast:
One of the elements that can give interest to a black and white shot is contrast. Because you can't use color to distinguish one element of your image from another, the tonal variances become all the more important. This doesn't mean you need to look for stark contrasts, but you should ponder how the contrast will come into play when composing your shot.
Lighting Conditions:
Linked to contrast, lighting in a black and white shot can be very important. For example, frontal lighting will often add to contrast. Side lighting will reveal any texture that a subject might have (in nude photos can accentuate bodily features: hair, nipples, etc.). Light from any one direction will create shadows. All of these techniques can add interest to a black and white image. Since overuse can also be distracting, experiment with light carefully, especially if you're new at it.
Shapes and Patterns:
Patterns or shapes that go unseen in color (since color itself draws attention) can come alive in a black and white photo, sometimes (whether intentionally or not)even taking on an abstract quality.
Texture:
Already mentioned above under lighting, textures add a new dimension to an image, emphasizing pubic hair, skin texture, beard stubble, etc.