How to make better black and white photography

I love monochrome. Here are some practical tips to help you elevate your monochrome vision:

Ricoh GR II

It seems that RICOH GR II is the best monochrome digital camera. Integrated flash, no anti aliasing filter (sharper photos), and shoot in RAW with ERIC KIM MONOCHROME preset.

If you’re very passionate or interested in black and white photography, get a RICOH GR II.

Simpler is better

Simple and elegant compositions. Embrace curves, movement, and simple shapes and forms.

Embrace blur

Blur looks great in black and white. Embrace the blur!

To shoot better blur photos, either do it intentionally, or just photograph your subject as they’re moving.

Accidental blurry photos are often extremely beautiful!

Post process your mood

If you want a darker and grittier mood, post process your photos in Lightroom, and keep adjusting the sliders and settings until the photos look the way you want them to look!

“Crush the blacks” by increasing the contrast to the max. Play with the “blacks” slider as well.

Flash

Leica M9, 35mm, flash.

Use a flash to illuminate your subjects. Flash will also increase the contrast and visual intensity of your photos.

Broken surfaces

Photograph broken glass, gritty textures, or anything which looks chaotic. Experiment using a flash as well.

Shoot against the light

To create epic silhouettes, shoot against the light.

Shoot with your soul

Photograph moments which resonate with your emotions and soul. For example, a sleepy morning waking up in a hotel room wihh Cindy in Vietnam. It encapsulates our nomadic life and wanderings.

Shoot plants against the sky, with a flash

Simple shapes and forms. Photograph your subjects against the sky. Get super low.

Dark is optimistic

I’ve always wondered why I loved such a gritty and dark aesthetic, considering in real life I’m such a positive and optimistic person.

My theory:

Perhaps to show more joy, happiness, love, and thanksgiving towards life and existence we need to embrace a deeper and darker aesthetic?

More turbo thoughts to come!

ERIC