by Marc Sim
Before the introduction of color film in 1935, black and white photography was the sole medium of expression for photographers. Some of the best photos in modern history, in fact, are shot using black and white. Photojournalists risked their lives encamped in trenches during World War I, capturing powerful images of men in battle. Vivid images of gore and brutality were showcased to the world, all through the lens of a camera. As color photography amassed in popularity, we may wonder why black and white has withstood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice today. Importantly, it contains an element of nostalgia, transporting people back to the childhood memories of a distant past. Although the combination of black and white projects a somber feeling, the deficiency of color is compensated by a strong sense of realism and purity. In the eyes of a photographer, its format is highly versatile. From portraits, close-ups, to urban architecture, black and white fits suitably within each of these domains. Color photography relies heavily on natural light. With the constant hindrance of overcast skies in Taipei, photographers are given a justifiable reason to experiment with black and white. Unlike science, there is no right or wrong answer when taking a photo; nor are there any boundaries and restrictions. All that is needed are a few considerations before pressing the shutter, such as light and composition. Most importantly, as the saying goes, “A good workman never blames his tools.” Hence, having a good eye for detail far outweighs using expensive gadgets. It is about bringing the best out of your camera. We can do so by following a few basic guidelines that are easy to remember, which will definitely improve the quality of our photographs. Rule of Thirds When framing shots through the viewfinder, we should first conjure an imaginary grid. Divided by two horizontal and two vertical lines that intersect, we create nine equal squares. If we place our subjects or points of interest along the lines, or intersections, it allows viewers to interact naturally with the image. It therefore becomes aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Contrary to popular belief that the best images are shot dead center, research has shown that the human eye reactively drifts towards the intersection points and not in the middle of the photograph. Hence, the rule of thirds is best applied in landscape or portrait scenarios with only a single point of interest. Showing Scale Size and distance are components which can often deceive the naked eye. Shooting across wide open spaces such as deserts, rivers, and mountains becomes an issue when viewers have no idea how large an area they are looking at. Black and white photos can be improved when we include something whose size is already known, such as a car, an animal, or a person. Not only does it give viewers an idea of space, it adds a point of interest, allowing viewers to concentrate on a particular subject. Experimenting with Light Light plays an important role in black and white photography. Keeping in mind that rainy days are a common occurrence in Taipei, the presence of soft light comes into play. However, we are able to use soft light to our advantage when shooting in black and white, as it brings out subtle tones and textures within our photographs. In fact, the best way to understand lighting scenarios is to take more photographs! You will be surprised that many times certain shots tend to exceed our expectations. Thus, we shouldn’t be intimidated by the presence of light and get out there and experiment. Practice makes perfect! Now keeping these guidelines in mind, I shall attempt to justify them through a couple of recently taken photos. The above picture provides a simple and clear illustration of the rule of thirds. As explained above, the key is to avoid taking it right in the center. Although the rule of thirds cannot be applied to the final two photographs, they are essential as they revolve around the domains of light and scale. As the pictures were taken at night, the only light sources were the glow of buildings and lampposts. In the first photo, light emits from the buildings across the river, casting a reflective glow on the water. The undulating slopes, complemented with the presence of a couple in the bottom right corner are perfect examples of showing scale. Viewers are able to better identify the distance and magnitude of the photo. Similarly, the idea runs in parallels in the second photo, although scale is shown in a different way. By capturing the night sky, it is an attempt to make the tall buildings seem small. Keeping these simple guidelines in mind, I am confident that you will find a greater sense of satisfaction with your photographs, or perhaps an additional reason to pick up photography as a hobby! a
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The Taida Student Journal has been active since 1995 with an ever-changing roster of student journalists at NTU. Click the above link to read about the authors Archives
May 2024
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