The colors of autumn are at their magnificent full strength here in New England, and I’m thinking about black and white photography. In about two weeks, these autumn colors are going to give way to lots of browns and blacks and eventually, some white snow. So, why not start thinking like I am about practicing some black and white photography this winter?
Black and white photography is a different form of photography than color photography, with its own techniques and approach. Black and white photography is all too commonly thought of as merely photography with the color removed. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As Jamie Windsor states in his video: “Black and white is more than an editing technique. It is more than a creative filter. It is a completely different way of working.” I agree with this line of thinking.
To create interesting black and white photographs, you must go out with the predetermined mindset that you are going to create them. You need to look at the world from the view of black and white. This different form of photography permits the photographer to showcase different subjects or to showcase the usual subjects in different ways.
So instead of complaining that everything in winter is so dull and gray, why not forget about color and enter the world of black and white?
People can learn from many different sources and they don't all have to be the masters. Do the masters you mention provide tips? It might be difficult to get tips from Alfred Eisenstaedt. But then again some people do claim they can speak to the dead.
At some point years ago I lost my copies of the Famous Photographers Course manuals, which did indeed include tips from Alfred Eisenstaedt, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and others.
That's a shame you lost that information and I'm sure they provided some good information. I look to learn from everyone and have found I do learn from all levels of people.