LESSON 8: Styles and Subjects
Once you understand the basics of light, shadow, contrast, and composition, the next step is discovering what to shootand how to approach it creatively. Monochrome photography isn’t just about taking photos without color—it’s about emphasizing mood, texture, and storytelling.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to exploring different styles and subjects in black-and-white photography.
1. Street Photography in Black and White
Why it works: Shadows, geometry, and contrast are naturally dramatic in urban environments.
Tips:
Capture candid moments—people, shadows, reflections.
Look for patterns in architecture or streetscapes.
High contrast helps create mood and drama.
2. Portraits in Monochrome
Why it works: Black-and-white removes distractions and focuses on expression and emotion.
Tips:
Use soft light for gentle, flattering portraits.
Side lighting emphasizes texture and depth in skin or clothing.
Encourage your subject to interact naturally—emotion shows more clearly in monochrome.
3. Landscapes and Nature
Why it works: Without color, landscapes become about shapes, textures, and light.
Tips:
Shoot during golden or blue hours for dramatic shadows.
Fog, rain, or snow adds natural mood.
Use wide-angle lenses to capture scale and perspective.
4. Abstract and Minimalist Photography
Why it works: Monochrome emphasizes lines, shapes, and patterns.
Tips:
Focus on textures: rough vs. smooth, light vs. dark.
Experiment with negative space and unusual perspectives.
Small subjects can become striking when isolated in the frame.
5. Practice Exercise
Pick one of these styles: street, portrait, landscape, or abstract. Take at least five photos experimenting with:
Light and shadow
Contrast and tonal range
Composition and framing
Compare your results and notice which style feels most natural or exciting to you. This is how you begin to develop a personal monochrome style.
Final Thought
Black-and-white photography is about seeing differently. By experimenting with different subjects and styles, you’ll learn which types of images resonate most with your vision. The more you shoot, the more your eye will naturally find the beauty hidden in shadows, textures, and shapes.