Quick Black and White Photography Tips
While taking photographs in color is often a common choice, black and white photography often affords interesting results. The following points are quick tips for black and white photography.
1. You can choose from different formats (different film sizes): 35mm (1″ x 1″), medium format- 120 (2″ x 2 “), and large format (4″ x 5″). Usually, beginning photographers will start off on a 35mm SLR (single-len reflex) camera. This camera allows the photographer to view and focus on the subject directly though the lens.
2. There are different film speeds for different situations; film speeds are rated by an ASA (American Standards Association) number. For brightly lit subjects, a slow film such as 32 ASA is used; slow film produces fine grain negatives. Outdoor photographers will typically use a medium film speed such as 125 ASA, and that produces medium grain negatives. A fast film speed, such as 400 ASA is best for indoor use, and produces coarse grain negatives.
3. You can control the amount of light entering the lens by changing the aperture. F-stop settings are a measurement of the size of the lens opening. Small F-stop numbers mean a larger lens opening, allowing more light in. Large F-stop numbers mean a smaller opening, allowing less light in. Typical F-stop range: 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22.
4. There are different sized lenses, and they are distinguished by focal length (measured in mm). A wide angle view corresponds to a short focal length. A narrow angle view corresponds to a long focal length. A few lens types and focal lengths: normal (50mm), wide angle (21-35mm), and telephoto (105-300mm).
5. Exposure time, the time the film is exposed to light, is determined by the shutter speed. Film is exposed to light for a short amount of time with a fast shutter speed. Film is exposed to light for a long amount of time with a slow shutter speed. Shutter speed range: B, T, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000. Shutter speed time can be determined by placing a 1 over each number so that you get a fraction. If you place a 1 over the 2, that means your shutter speed is a second.
6. The B stands for bulb, and the T stands for time. Bulb means that the shutter will stay open for the amount of time you are pressing the button down. Time will keep the shutter open until you press the button again.
