Black and white photography demands a different kind of approach. Knowing when and how to convert your images can mean the difference between a photo that commands attention and one that feels flat.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video breaks down exactly how to create compelling black and white images by emphasizing tonal range, contrast distribution, and lighting conditions. Patino explains why black and white photography typically requires broader, evenly distributed tones across the frame rather than isolated bright or dark areas. He challenges the common assumption that black and white should be reserved for poor lighting conditions, emphasizing instead that strong tonal variety is critical for effective conversions. Using a landscape photo taken a couple of hours after sunrise, Patino illustrates how good tonal distribution transforms a simple mountain and valley scene into a visually compelling photograph. He also provides detailed editing steps in Camera Raw, highlighting practical techniques like selectively darkening bright areas to balance the image.
One valuable insight Patino shares is that ideal black and white photography often happens outside the typical "golden hour." While sunrise and sunset offer striking colors, these times frequently result in stark contrasts, limiting the tonal diversity necessary for strong monochrome images. Instead, Patino suggests exploring scenes under midday or late-morning lighting, where sunlight evenly illuminates the landscape, creating layers of varying brightness that make an image vibrant even without color. His breakdown of the histogram demonstrates clearly how spreading tones across shadows, midtones, and highlights enhances depth and visual interest. Patino further illustrates that even traditionally difficult elements—like fog or clouds—can add depth and contrast when handled intentionally during editing, guiding you through practical ways to maximize their impact without overpowering the main subject.
Patino’s guidance on composition is equally important, underscoring that black and white photography amplifies the necessity for thoughtful framing and intentional balance. Without color to direct attention, he emphasizes structuring your frame around strong shapes and clear focal points. The image he edits demonstrates how strategically placing visual elements—mountain peaks, valleys, and tree lines—can effectively direct the viewer’s eye. He cautions specifically against allowing large, negative spaces to dominate the composition, which become especially problematic without color variation. Instead, he advises using processing techniques like selective contrast adjustments and clarity enhancements to subtly redirect attention, maintaining viewer engagement throughout the image.
Patino’s editing workflow also reveals how liberating black and white processing can be. Without concerns about unnatural color shifts, he encourages stronger adjustments to enhance textures, atmosphere, and tonal variation. The video provides detailed yet accessible methods for achieving impactful edits, including targeted brushwork and selective use of exposure and contrast adjustments. This approach opens up creative possibilities, allowing more expressive interpretations that might feel excessive in color images but work beautifully in monochrome. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
