Photography FAQs: Black and White

David Präkel has enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. He has taught photography at all levels in the UK and America, at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre and in his own training workshops in Northumberland. He is the author of several books on photography.

Frequently asked questions. Introduction. What is black and white?: The greyscale image; How black and white is produced; How colours become tones; Understanding contrast - curves; Understanding contrast - histograms. Lighting and exposure: Quality of light for black and white; Direction of light for black and white; High- and low-key lighting; Metering for black and white; Correct versus artistic exposure; Natural and available light; Photographic light; Infrared. Capturing black and white: Composition; Choice of film; Film speed and ISO sensitivity; Developers; Film grain; Digital - in-camera or on the computer?; Digital noise; Tones and zones; Subject brightness range (SBR); Scanning film for digital black and white. Filtration for black and white: The colour wheel and filtration; Filters for film; Filters for digital and film. Developing the image (Digital): Black and white from digital colour; The power of camera raw files; Exposure control; Creating a film 'look'. Developing the image (darkroom): Paper types - fibre and resin coated; Paper types - warmtone and cooltone; Contrast and photographic papers; Techniques for variable-contrast papers; Local exposure control - dodge and burn; Chemical bleaching; 'Liquid light'; Alternative techniques and materials. Printing: Colour and black-only printing; The question of permanence; Paper finishes; Printers other than the inkjet. Presentation: Chemical toning: Toning for longevity; Toning for beauty; Digital toning; Print spotting an retouching; Reintroducing colour; Framing; Web. Subject index. Acknowledgements and credits.