Black and White Photography

What makes a good black and white photograph ?

When shooting in black and white you need to learn to see the world in light and shadows.

Tones matter more than color, black and white photography is a search for contrasts.

Scenes with strong lines, contours and textures and shadows make a good black and white photograph.

Skin tones will be emphasized if lit to include shadows.

Bland landscape photographs taken in day time can be converted to black and white then boost the brightness and contrast to make a striking image.

Make sure you have a good focal point.

Use a circular polarizing filter to darken skies and banish haze in black and white photographs.

On a holiday to America in 2001 we took a visit to Yosemite National Park, taking photographs while out walking on the mountain paths. On return to the hotel I checked the photographs, all looked o/k until I opened them on the computer, some of the photo's were too bright and hazy, I converted the photos to black and white and adjusted the contrast and brightness, the result Ansel Adams like black and white landscape photographs.