LESSON 2: Light and Shadow
If color photography is about capturing what we see, black-and-white is about capturing how we see. And nothing defines black-and-white more than light and shadow. Strip away color, and suddenly the play between brightness and darkness becomes the entire story of your image.
Here’s how to start using light and shadow to create striking monochrome photographs.
1. Why Light Matters More in Monochrome
In color, your subject can stand out because of vibrant hues. In black and white, it’s the intensity and direction of light that gives shape and emotion. A dull scene in color can turn into something dramatic once you notice how the light falls.
Pro tip: Next time you’re walking outside, squint your eyes a little — it helps you see the world in terms of brightness and contrast, not color.
2. Types of Light to Look For
Harsh Light (midday sun): Creates bold contrast and strong shadows. Great for drama and graphic shapes.
Soft Light (morning/evening, cloudy days): Smooth transitions, gentle shadows, perfect for portraits.
Side Light: Adds depth and texture. Think of how sunlight through a window defines the curves of a face or the ridges of old brick.
Backlight: Turns subjects into silhouettes and emphasizes outlines.
3. Shadows as a Subject
In monochrome, shadows aren’t just background noise — they are the subject. A person’s shadow stretching across the sidewalk, the long lines of a staircase, or the negative space around an object can be more powerful than the object itself.
Try this: Shoot just the shadow of an object and see if the photo tells a story without showing the object at all.
4. Techniques to Practice
Expose for the Highlights: Let the shadows go dark and mysterious.
Expose for the Shadows: Keep details in the dark areas, letting highlights blow out a little.
Silhouettes: Place your subject between your camera and the light source.
Textures: Use side lighting to bring out details in wood, stone, or skin.
5. Composition with Light and Shadow
Leading Lines: Use shadows to guide the viewer’s eye.
Balance: Place bright and dark areas strategically to avoid one side feeling too heavy.
Negative Space: Embrace big dark or light areas — they add mood and simplicity.
Framing: Shadows can act like frames around your subject.
6. A Quick Practice Exercise
Pick a spot in your home with a window. At three different times of day (morning, midday, evening), photograph the same object in the same spot. Notice how the angle and intensity of light completely change the mood of the photo.
Final Thought
Monochrome photography isn’t just about “removing color.” It’s about letting light and shadow speak louder than anything else. Once you start paying attention to the way light falls, bends, and creates contrast, your photos will stop being snapshots and start becoming stories.