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How to Make Better Black and White Photos

Practical ideas:

Slideshow

Some of my favorite black and white photos, with some of my beats (made in Garageband):

Download some beats here:

  • EK v1
  • EK v2
  • EK v3

1.Eye Contact

First of all, get eye contact, or show an eye in the photograph.

There is something human about being drawn to eyes.

2.Textures and patterns

Photograph textures, patterns, and repetitions.

Photograph man-made things, natural things, architecture, etc.

3.Light it up!

Generally speaking in black and white photography:

Using a flash will (often) make the photograph more interesting.

Shooting with a flash is fun. I love RICOH GR II and the integrated flash, because when you shoot with a flash– you never know what you’re gonna get!

4.Blur/obscure/out-of-focus

Photos are more interesting when the subject is obscured.

Shoot photos while you’re moving. Don’t worry too much whether the photos will be sharp or in-focus.

Often the ‘beautiful mistakes’ are what make interesting photos!

  • Exif_JPEG_PICTURE

Too much intentionality is anti-art.

ERIC

MONOCHROME

All black everything:

  • Why I Don’t Like Grey
  • Crush the Blacks
  • MONOCHROM: The Streets Are Your Rome
  • Black is Good; White is Bad
  • Black Canvas
  • Monochrome Manual
  • How to Shoot Black and White Street Photography
  • Why Shoot Black and White?
  • Video: How to Master Monochrome
  • Eric Kim Lightroom Presets (use Monochrome 1600)
eric kim street photography hanoi-0003676

HENRI SHOULDER STRAP

Film Leica MP x Henri Shoulder Strap (CREMA BROWN)

Supreme >


Street Photography Starter Kit

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

Master street photography >


HENRI WRIST STRAP PRO

Henri wrist strap pro

For the pros >

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

My brand-new Udemy Course, "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship" now live!

Seize your destiny >


Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography

eric kim ultimate beginners guide to mastering photography udemy

Master photography >

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

red hand ERIC KIM

Unleash your creative potential:

2021:

  • April 10-11th, 2021: BOSTON / Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography Workshop [Register Intent Here]
  • May 1-2nd, 2021: CHICAGO / Street Photography Composition Masterclass [Register Intent Here]
  • May 22-22nd, 2021: NEW YORK CITY / STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS by ERIC KIM [Register Intent Here]

Be notified of when new workshops are live here.


ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

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JOIN ARS: The Anti-Social Media for Photographers

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WHY APP?

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Never stop asking why?

PHANTOM BLACK HENRI WRIST STRAP

Shoot like a ghost >


STREET NOTES

Never hit the streets without it >


FILM NOTES

Now is your time to (re)learn film >

HENRI WRIST STRAP

The classic CREMA BROWN >

CREATIVE EVERY DAY

Create every day >


PHOTO JOURNAL

Photo Journal Print Edition

Discover more personal meaning in your photography >

OPEN-SOURCE