The #1 Community for black and white photography
WHERE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO SHOOT IN BLACK AND WHITE COME TO LEARN, SHARE AND GROW
Why Mosseri is Wrong About Photography
Instagram's Adam Mosseri says "professional" photography is now a signal for AI fakes, urging us to embrace a "raw, imperfect" aesthetic. Using the analogy of the Map Reader vs. the GPS Driver, we explain why sabotaging your craft isn't the same thing as being authentic
LEARN THE LANGUAGE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: THE SECRETS BEHIND THE CRAFT PART 4
Focus is photography’s way of saying, “Look here.” Learn to guide attention and convey meaning through sharpness, blur, and depth of field.
The Silent Pursuit of Focus
A new autofocus technology is making its way to third-party lenses, promising greater precision and speed. This could mean exciting new tools for our monochrome vision.
Weekly News Roundup
A massive week for the monochrome community: Leica breaks 60 years of tradition with the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2, while Ricoh officially enters the "dedicated monochrome" sensor game with the pocketable GR IV Monochrome. Plus, new data reveals a staggering 89% surge in black and white film sales, and Apple takes a shot at Adobe with its new Creator Studio bundle.
New Canvas, New Possibilities: Lumix S9's Timeless Hues Arrive
We're always looking for tools that inspire, and Panasonic's new Lumix S9 colorways hint at a classic aesthetic. These fresh looks could be the perfect complement to your monochrome vision.
Nikon's Shifting Landscape: Unpacking the Z7 II's New Value
The photographic landscape is subtly changing, with the Nikon D850 seeing a price increase. This shift quietly positions the Nikon Z7 II as a compelling, more affordable alternative.
Chiaroscuro: The Art of Sculpting with Shadows
Stop fighting the shadows and start using them. Chiaroscuro is the classic "light-dark" technique used by masters from Caravaggio to modern cinematographers. Learn how to use a single light source and spot metering to create dramatic, three-dimensional monochrome portraits.
Leica Announces the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH.
Leica has finally bridged a 60-year gap in its lens lineup with the announcement of the Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH. By combining ultra-high-speed glass with a compact 50mm form factor, Wetzlar has created the ultimate tool for available-light photography. From precision glass molding to a new 0.5m close-focus limit, this is the new "Swiss Army Knife" for those who hunt shadows.
The $129 Question: Is Apple Creator Studio the Adobe Killer?
Apple Creator Studio is finally here for $12.99/month. We break down the newly integrated Pixelmator Pro, the iPad workflow, and how it stacks up against the Adobe giant.
The Storytelling Lie: Why Your Photos Don't Need a Narrative
We’re told that every photo needs a beginning, middle, and end. But what if that advice is actually holding you back? This week, I’m calling out the "Storytelling Lie" and explaining why the most powerful monochrome images aren't stories they’re visual poems.
Stealing from the Silver Screen: Using FilmGrab to Master Your Craft
Cinematography is the ultimate school for photographers. Learn how to use the FilmGrab archive to master lighting and composition to bring a cinematic edge to your still images.
Why a "Zero Day" is Still a Win
Coming home with no good images feels like a failure but it is actually a sign of growth. Learn how to reframe your "zero days" as essential creative practice and why an empty memory card is better than a mediocre one.