“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!” ― Ted Grant

Fisherman in Lawigan, Mati, Davao Oriental © Jojie Alcantara

The glint from the sun was rather glaring so I converted my image into black and white to achieve a desired muted effect. In mastering the art of black and white photography, it is keen to note that not all colored photos fare well when transformed into monotone. You have to choose your images carefully.

It has been written that the visual building blocks of a great photo are texture, tonal contrast, shape, form and lighting. A photographer shooting in black and white has to learn how to use all these elements to create a memorable image.

Dramatic effect is achieved when without color, the emphasis is on shapes and forms of the subject, aided with the quality of  lighting. On a harsh broad daylight, sunlight becomes luminous when toned down into black and white. Sans colors, the details on the fisherman’s body — from the perspiring shine to the entwined net down to his hairy legs — become more distinct because textures look great in black and white photography.

Care to view how I took this picture in the link below? My penchant for irresponsibly soaking myself in the sea with my gears eventually damaged my first Canon 7D so I had to get a new one. Lessons learned. I also got another water resistant, shock proof backup small cam. 😀
Fisherman in Lawigan