Understanding Digital Black and White Photography

Black and white photography can deliver images with levels of beauty and impact that are sometimes lost or diluted by the presence of colour. This practical book is written for readers with a passion for monochrome photography, who wish to use digital photography to match and exceed the level of control and finish that was possible with film. With visual examples throughout, it systematically teaches skills that underpin photographic creativity, from capture to digital development, before considering a range of outputs and finishes. Contents include: photographic equipment, camera settings, exposure parameters and file composition (bit depth, colour space resolution); editing software, notably the key features of Lightroom and Photoshop dedicated to black and white photography; using HDR techniques to maximise tonal information while recreating Ansel Adam's analogue Zone System approach using digital technologies; simulating traditional darkroom techniques by emulating the appearance and characteristics of popular films, toning techniques, adding edges, borders and dodging and burning; outputting monochrome photographs for publication online, social media, screen, projection and high quality archival prints suited to exhibitions. This book will help the reader understand the principles of digital black and white photography to create powerful images with the quality of traditional darkroom practices, and is aimed at all photographers - particularly artistic. Fully illustrated with 291 images - many are black & white with a few colour to demonstrate the loss of impact that colour can have.

Tim Savage is a photographer, artist, teacher and writer. His first book Understanding your Digital Camera is also published by The Crowood Press.