Setting the mood: Black and white photography tips for beginners

Last Updated on 2026-01-29 by NatureCrank

Black and white photography is my personal favorite, and it’s the perfect place to start our journey into visual storytelling. Simply put, monochrome photography allows you to dictate the mood or emotion of a photo. After all, photography is more than just capturing a frame—it’s about creating an image that resonates.

For example, I encountered this lioness while shooting, and she clearly wasn’t thrilled with my presence. By removing the color, I was able to emphasize her “lack of enthusiasm” and focus the viewer’s eye entirely on her expression and the stark contrast of her gaze.

Using monochrome to save a difficult shot

There are distinct advantages to black and white photography in storytelling, especially when your color photos aren’t the best or simply don’t work due to poor lighting.

I remember a specific hike in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia some years back. My labradoodle, Maximus, and I came upon a deer in the heavy mist. The color version of the photo was flat and washed out by the gray sky. However, by mixing the black and white conversion with the natural fog, I was able to add a dramatic mood without obscuring my subject. It transformed a “failed” color shot into a timeless piece of fine art photography.

Black and white vs. color: A quick comparison

Sure, you get the gist of mood, but what are the advantages of black and white photography outside of mood?

10 Tips for professional black and white photography

Black and white photography is a timeless art form that emphasizes contrast, texture, and composition without the distraction of color. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you create stunning black and white images.

1. Focus on contrast

In high-contrast photography, the “pop” comes from the difference between your brightest whites and deepest blacks. Look for scenes where light hits your subject directly, creating highlights and shadows that define the shape.

Without color, contrast becomes the backbone of your image. It defines shapes, separates elements, and adds drama. Look for scenes with strong light and shadow interplay. Adjust your exposure to emphasize bright highlights and deep blacks. Remember, adjusting exposure before shooting is going to be less harsh than editing. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance contrast, especially in landscapes, by reducing glare and darkening skies.

2. Master composition

When you shoot in black and white, you rely on compositional elements. With color stripped away, the viewer’s eye relies on lines, shapes, and patterns. Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, or framing to guide attention. Negative space can also feel more impactful in black and white. Lastly, shoot with intention—visualize the scene in monochrome as you compose rather than converting it later as an afterthought.

3. Play with texture and detail

Monochrome images amplify texture, making rough surfaces like tree bark or smooth ones like water stand out. Side lighting or harsh light can exaggerate texture. Get close to your subject to capture fine details. Also, experiment with high-clarity settings or post-processing to enhance texture without over-sharpening.

4. Always shoot in RAW format

If you want to know how to shoot black and white photography like a pro, you must shoot in RAW.

• Why RAW? These files preserve all original sensor data. Even if you use a monochrome preview on your camera, the RAW file keeps the color data, which is essential for high-quality post-processing.

Unlike JPEG files, which are processed and compressed in-camera, RAW files preserve all the original data captured during exposure. This provides maximum flexibility during post-processing, allowing you to recover details in highlights or shadows that a JPEG would lose. You can use a monochrome preview on your camera as a guide, but always tweak the final tones in software like GIMP, Lightroom, or Photoshop to maintain control over the tonal range.

5. Expand your dynamic range

A good black and white photo has a full spectrum of tones—pure blacks, bright whites, and a range of grays. Avoid “muddy” images with too much mid-tone gray by adjusting exposure or curves in post-processing. You can use dodging and burning selectively to deepen shadows or lift highlights in key areas. Ensure your histogram shows a healthy spread from black to white.

6. Look for the right subjects

Not every scene translates well. Street photography, architectural photography, and moody landscapes are classic choices. For inspiration, study the tonal range in the works of Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson. (You can also see my friend Brian at Barnett.pics for some great examples). Notice how they use light, shadow, and composition to tell a story. Practice mimicking their techniques to build your own style.

7. Use digital and physical filters

Filters can dramatically alter how colors translate to grayscale. A red filter darkens blues (great for stormy skies), while a green filter lightens foliage. Apply these in-camera or in post. In editing software, use the color sliders (e.g., HSL panel) to adjust how specific hues convert to gray tones.

A polarizing filter is a secret weapon for landscape photography. Even in black and white, it works by cutting through glare and reflections.

• The result: It darkens blue skies significantly, making white clouds stand out with incredible tonal contrast. It’s the easiest way to get that “Ansel Adams” look in-camera.

If you want to create a clean, minimalist look, use a Neutral Density (ND) filter. This “sunglasses for your lens” allows you to use slow shutter speeds even in broad daylight.

• Pro tip: Use an ND filter to blur moving water or clouds into a smooth, ghostly white. This removes “visual noise” and lets the fine art photography elements shine.

8. Embrace digital grain (noise)

While I personally prefer a clean look, adding a bit of film grain in post-processing can add a “timeless classic” feel. This is especially effective in low-light photography, where a little noise adds to the emotional weight.

9. Simplify your scene and isolate

Minimalist photography shines in black and white. Use a shallow depth of field to blur out a busy background, allowing your subject to “breathe” without the distraction of competing colors.

10. Master black and white post-processing

Editing black and white photos is about “sculpting” with light. Use dodging and burning to manually brighten or darken specific areas. This leads the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it to go, much like I did with the deer in the Shenandoah fog.

Frequently asked questions about B&W photography (FAQ)

Conclusion

Black and white photography isn’t just a filter; it’s a deliberate choice. From the dramatic mood of a lioness to a foggy hike with Maximus, it allows us to focus on the story.

Don’t let other photographers’ “rules” hold you back—develop your own monochrome style and make the art yours.

Photography gear used:

• Nikon D7200 camera
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom lens
• SanDisk Extreme Pro for memory
• Adobe Lightroom CC for post-processing