Color to Black & White Photography

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Color to Black & White
©Lauren Klementz-Harte 2020

If you're looking for something to decorate your wall, look no further than your own photo collection!

Recently, I was on a search through photo files and found some pictures of every day scenes. As I wondered why I had captured each moment, I began to experiment with photo editing options. 

This is my original color photo of a back road on sunny spring day:


When converted to black and white, it is transformed. And, with a bit of cropping, this average, every day photo of a country setting becomes an art piece that evokes a nostalgic feeling. 

There are a couple of things that make a photo a good candidate for this process.

1) Photos that have strong areas of light and shadows will translate into black and white well. If the picture relies on bright color to catch the eye, it may not be as interesting when that color isn't there. 

2) Look for photos that have shapes or contours that appeal to you. For instance the photo above has a nice curve of the road, which is a light contour, and contrasts well with the ragged dark silhouette of the trees.     

3) Think about a "focal point,"- where you wish to direct the eye of the viewer. The focal point above is the white building and it stands out because of the darker natural texture of the trees that surround it. Remember that you can change the focal point in the piece by changing how it is cropped.

For some hints on cropping your image, check out this link:
https://creativelifesampler.blogspot.com/2019/08/cropping-vacation-photos-lone-cypress.html

The computer editing options for your photos are a great tool. Experiment with the ways to show off your photography skills. You may find you have some hidden treasures that bring you joy when they are framed and displayed in your home.

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