Learn how breaking photographic rules can result in stunning black-and-white photos Black-and-white photography poses unique challenges; without color to guide the eye, contrast, lighting, and composition take on even more importance. Renowned photographer Harold Davis explains these elements and demonstrates the basic rules of black and white photography as well as when and how to break them. He breaks through the complexity of this photographic medium, explores opportunities for black-and-white imagery, and shows how to capitalize on every one. Richly illustrated with the author's own images, this beautiful guide presents the skills needed for great black-and-white photos while encouraging your confidence and creativity. Goes beyond basics to teach photographers how to conquer the challenges posed by black-and-white photography Appeals to professionals and serious amateurs who are interested in exploring creative black-and-white imagery Presents photography fundamentals and shows how black and white requires some of the rules to be bent Encourages creative thinking and confidence Lavishly illustrated with Harold Davis's outstanding monochromatic photos Whether you're a professional just venturing into black and white or a serious amateur, Creative Black & White will both educate and inspire you.

Beautifully illustrated and far-reaching in scope, this guide is destined to be a standard reference for years to come. Alongside the work of author Michael Freeman, you'll find the work of iconic black and white photographers such as Ansel Adams, Ian Berry, Bill Brandt, Edward Curtis, Brett Weston and Edward Weston, amongst others. From its historic roots, black and white photography in the digital age is thoroughly explored. Freeman covers all aspects of black-and-white digital photography: the fine art tradition as well as the techniques. Learn how to see and expose in black and white, digitally convert color to monochrome and develop a black and white digital workflow using the latest software.

The essential, inspiring resource for all digital photographers shooting in monochrome.

A guide to the techniques of black and white photography.

An inspirational bible for monochrome photography - this second edition almost doubles the content of its predecessor showing you the path from visualization to print

Now that you’ve bought an amazing new DSLR, you need a book that goes beyond the camera manual to teach you how to take great shots. That’s where Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots, Second Edition, comes in, teaching you the fundamentals of composition—the creative arrangement of elements in the shot, and the way a viewer’s eye travels through an image—so you can get great shots no matter what gear you use. In this book, author and professional photographer Laurie Excell starts with the basics of composition—such as the popular rule of thirds—and illustrates how elements like color, shape, angles, and contrast work to create compelling images. In the process, she covers all key camera features that affect composition (regardless of what type of DSLR you have), including the ability to freeze and convey motion depending on what shutter speed you choose, and the correlation between aperture and depth of field. In addition to dozens of brand-new images and more in-depth coverage on topics such as patterns and textures and arranging elements in a frame, this revised edition features several completely new chapters. These will include a chapter of step-by-step examples that highlight the compositional technique used to get just the right shot; a new chapter on black-and-white photography; and a chapter on what to do after the shot—enhancing and editing the images in post-processing. Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book will help you bring your own unique artistic expression to any situation whether taking portraits, action shots, landscapes, or events, teaching you how to take control of your photography to get the image you want every time you pick up the camera. The book includes coverage of Lightroom for image management; Nikon Capture NX2 for RAW processing; Photoshop for image processing; and NIK and OnOne software for creative effects.

The Photographer’s Black & White Handbook is your complete guide to making and processing stunning black and white photos in the digital era. You’ll find inspiration, ideas, techniques, and tools to use in your black and white photography, along with a soup-to-nuts workflow to take you from black and white pre-visualization through capture and post-production. Along the way you will lean over Harold’s shoulder as he travels to exciting photo destinations and creates stunning black and white imagery, explaining his creative and technical processes as he goes. This definitive guide includes: ■ How to see in black and white ■ Pre-visualization in digital photography ■ Understanding black and white composition ■ How to create your own black and white workflow ■ Black and white in ACR, Lightroom, and Photoshop ■ Using black and white plug-ins including Nik Silver Efex Pro and Topaz B&W Effects ■ Extending tonal range with multi-RAW processing and monochromatic HDR ■ Post-production techniques for working with dynamic range ■ Creative black and white special effects ■ Find out how to tone, tint, colorize, solarize, and simulate IR ■ Work with LAB to create unique black and white effects ■ Great tools for unleashing your photographic imagination ■ Beautiful photographs by Harold Davis chosen to inspire and guide you