top of page

Seven Ways To Tell If A Shot Will Make A Good Black & White


PHOTOGRAPHY


Black and white photography has a timeless appeal, bringing out textures, contrasts, and compositions that might get lost in color. While almost any image can be converted to black and white, not all will have the same impact. Knowing when a shot will shine in monochrome is a skill that can elevate your photography. Here are seven ways to determine if your shot will make a great black-and-white image.



1. Look for Strong Contrast

One of the biggest strengths of black-and-white photography is its ability to emphasize contrast. High-contrast images—where there is a clear distinction between dark and light areas—are particularly compelling in monochrome. Think of dramatic lighting, deep shadows, and bright highlights.


To check for contrast potential, squint your eyes at your scene. If you can still distinguish the main elements of the composition without color, it’s likely a strong candidate for black and white. A subject lit by strong side lighting or backlighting can produce stunning contrasts that will pop in black and white.




2. Assess Texture and Detail

Black and white images emphasize textures and patterns in a way that color photos often do not. The absence of color directs the viewer’s attention to the details in a subject’s surface—whether it’s the roughness of tree bark, the wrinkles of an elderly person’s face, or the grain in a wooden door.


If your shot has a rich amount of texture, it’s likely to make an excellent black-and-white photo. Hard light and shadows can help bring out these details even more, making the final image more impactful.



3. Consider the Shape and Form

Black and white photography excels at highlighting shapes and forms. When color is removed from an image, the structure of the subject becomes more pronounced. Geometric compositions, silhouettes, and leading lines are great elements to focus on.

If your shot has strong lines, curves, or defined shapes, it may translate well into black and white. For example, a well-composed architectural photo or a still-life image with a clear shape will often benefit from monochrome treatment.




4. Test with a Monochrome Preview

Many modern cameras have a black-and-white or monochrome mode that allows you to preview how a scene will look without color. If you shoot in RAW, you can set your camera to display black-and-white previews while still capturing all the color data for later adjustments.


Alternatively, you can use your editing software to temporarily desaturate an image and see how it holds up in grayscale. If the image still works well without color, it’s a strong candidate for black and white.



5. Look at the Lighting Conditions

Certain lighting conditions are more favorable for black and white than others. Harsh midday sun, which can sometimes be unflattering in color photography, often creates bold shadows and highlights that enhance a black-and-white image. Overcast days, on the other hand, can produce soft lighting that works well for portraits, reducing harsh shadows and making skin tones appear smooth.


Street photography, in particular, benefits from dramatic lighting, as the interplay of shadows and highlights can add depth and mood. Pay attention to how light interacts with your subject before deciding whether black and white is the best choice.



6. Eliminate Distracting Colors

Sometimes, a shot has a strong composition but is weakened by distracting colors. A bright red sign in the background, an out-of-place neon green jacket, or a mix of clashing hues can draw attention away from the subject.


Converting such an image to black and white removes these distractions, allowing the viewer to focus on composition, emotion, and texture instead. If you find that colors are competing for attention in your image, try a black-and-white conversion to see if it improves the overall composition.



7. Consider the Emotional Impact

Black and white photography has a unique ability to convey emotion. Stripping away color often adds a sense of timelessness, nostalgia, or drama. Portraits, in particular, can be more expressive in monochrome, as the viewer is drawn to the subject’s eyes, expressions, and emotions rather than being influenced by color.


If your image has a strong emotional pull—whether it’s a powerful moment of joy, sorrow, or contemplation—it may work best in black and white. Many documentary and street photographers rely on black and white to create powerful, evocative images that transcend time.



Not every shot will translate well into black and white, but by considering these seven factors—contrast, texture, shape, lighting, distractions, and emotional impact—you can make an informed decision about when to go monochrome. Developing an eye for black-and-white photography takes practice, but once you start seeing the world in tones and shades rather than colors, you’ll unlock a new dimension of visual storytelling.


The next time you take a shot, ask yourself: would this image be stronger in black and white? If the answer is yes, give it a try and see how it transforms your photography.

Voice of the South Newsletter delivered to your inbox

Subscribe for more informative news, inspiring stories and special offers.

bottom of page