In chapter 1, chapter 2 and Chapter 3 of this series of posts I showed photographs that do not lend themselves well to black and white conversion because they rely on colors and saturation for the separation of the main elements in the composition. In chapter 4, I presented a series of photos that are characterized by high contrast between shadow and light, and asked my followers to verbalize other characteristics of those photos that helped to make them stand out in black and white. Summarizing the answers, below are some additional characteristics displayed by at least one of those photos linked here:
- Color does not play an important role in the composition;
- Geometrical lines, angles;
- Repetitive patterns;
- Simplicity;
- Texture.
To the list above, I will add one that is a little more difficult to define or explain: drama.
If you are a woman, you probably have heard numerous times that you were making drama or being dramatic by a significant man in your life. Maybe you felt like you had to defend yourself from the accusation, but you were not able to.
Because drama is a somewhat personal experience.
When I saw the image below, I immediately recognized the implied drama in it. After conversion to bring it out, the FEATURED IMAGE (f/20, 1.3 s, ISO 160), in my opinion, looks stronger in its black and white version. If you are curious about the story behind this image, I wrote a post about it last year.
I think the impact of the images in my collection “Light Matters” mostly rely on drama. But I could be wrong because drama, after all, is a very personal experience.
Breaking rules that don’t exist
In this series of posts, I have been attempting to raise awareness about the potential enhancement of certain compositions when converted to black and white. Throughout this process, various individuals have visited and commented, expressing their belief that this notion is untrue. According to them, all images can be effectively transformed into monochrome, and some people have even preferred the color versions of images that I initially favored in black and white.
I would like to take a moment to remind everyone that the information I am sharing here serves as mere pointers or tips, intended to assist you in saving time and approaching your photography with a deliberate mindset when working without color. Photography does not adhere to rigid rules, and I do not consider myself an expert in black and white photography. I simply wish to share my limited experience, hoping that these posts will be of assistance to those who are interested in black and white photography but unsure of where to begin.
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Wall Art landscapes and miscellaneous
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It is all about the light 
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