Exploring Depth and Drama: My Journey into Black and White Photography

​Recently, I have been experimenting with black and white photography and have discovered that converting my images from colour to monochrome adds a unique depth that often goes unnoticed in colour photographs. Black and white photography mutes the colours, bringing out the textures, volume, tonality, and enhancing the shadows. 

Take, for example, two photographs I took along the Thames with the Walkie Talkie in the background. One is rich with warm colours, capturing the essence of the time it was shot, while the other is the same scene in black and white. The black and white version reveals more volume and enhanced shadows, offering a more contemplative experience and inviting viewers to explore various parts of the image. 

​I drew inspiration from several artists known for their black and white work. Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an architect and engraver, uses axial compositions to create simple perspectives rich in detail and context. His work influenced my approach to composition in black and white photography. 

Martin Lewis, an etcher, and illustrator, masterfully uses light to guide the viewer's eye through a scene. In my urban oasis scene for UAL, I applied his technique of using bright light as a visual guide. Similarly, in my trash alley scene, a black and white filter emphasized the lights, directing the viewer's attention through the scene to the pub's name. 

Hugh Ferriss, known for his work in "The Metropolis of Tomorrow," demonstrates exceptional control of tonality to create dramatic renderings. His ability to balance light and shadow influenced my own efforts to achieve a similar effect in my photographs. 

Overall, experimenting with black and white photography has been a rewarding experience. I plan to use this technique selectively, particularly for night shots where the strong lights during the blue hour can be beautifully highlighted with a black and white filter.