40+ Best Monochromatic Black and White Photos

Colored photography may be the norm these days, but monochromatic photography isn’t yet dead, for sure. Monochrome refers to paintings, drawings, design, or photographs in one color or shades of one color. Moreover, images using only shades of grey, with or without black and/or white, are called grayscale or black-and-white.

Monochromatic photography is considered more subtle and leaves room for interpretation. It is often considered moodier than the usual colored photos. These images do not necessarily directly reflect their subject but are more likely to be abstractions from reality

Furthermore, in the photographic world, the term monochrome usually means black and white but it may also be used to refer to other combinations, containing tones of a single color, such as blue and white or yellow and black. It may also refer to the widely known toning called Sepia which contains tones from light tan to dark brown.

Black and White Photography Tips

If you are interested to learn more about monochrome images, here are important tips you should keep in mind.

Check out black and white movies

Contrary to what many people believe, black and white photography is actually difficult to achieve. It is very important to know what works and what doesn’t. Thus, what better way to familiarize with these types of images than with black and white films? A long time ago, movie producers didn’t have the advantage of using colors to easily draw people’s attention and convey emotions. They had to depend on varying lighting and shades to get their message to the audience, instead.

Lighting is very important

It is a known and popular fact among photographers that not all light are created equal. To get achieve that exceptional black and white photo, you have to understand the importance of finding adequate lighting. There are just two ways to go about this: rely on natural light or create your own.

Choose your subject wisely

Some photos look good in color but not in black and white. On the other hand, some photos look good in black and white but not in color. Thus, it is important to choose your subject wisely. One good example is shooting a beautiful sunset. It would be difficult to appreciate its beauty if you shoot it in black and white. A monochrome image has that vintage old fashioned feel so it is best to go with rustic subjects.

Bring out emotions

When using black and white photography, it may be difficult for you to connect with your audience and make them feel something. To bring out emotions with your images, it is important to identify with authentic and meaningful scenes.

Practice makes perfect

Last but definitely not the least, practice as much as you can. As cliché as this may sound but practice really makes perfect. Black and white photography requires just the same technical knowledge and skills as with color photography. You just have to change the way you use your tools and reevaluate the way you perceive your subject.

Start your journey here!

Photography is such a wonderful thing to explore. To get you started on your monochromatic photography journey, here’s a compilation of 40 of the best black and white photos you can find on the internet. We hope this inspires you and motivates you to pursue this passion. Enjoy!

Lost metro

 Cold Walker

Black and White Wallpaper

The middle of nowhere

Black and White Photos

M

HD Black And White Wallpaper

Along the Berlin wall

Tree in black and white

Clean Feather

Black And White Wallpaper HD

It may, or may not, be the right time

The Wave

Desert Evening

Black and White Wallpaper 19567

Black & White

Rusty Black and White Photography

Shoe Shine Shop

Black and White Photography

Rockefeller Chapel – B&W

Pretty Black and White Wallpaper 27055

Layers

Black and White Scenic Landscape Wallpaper

Con dos / With two

Stare

Exodo Lírico

Light, Shadows and Patterns

Keep Walking

JOY

Hot Rod

Seljalandsfoss waterfall bw

Slice

Black and White Wallpaper

BW babies

Hat’s off to you!

BW

Under the open sky, i walk.

BW version of Strandarkirkja

Artifacts from the tactile times

Make Way for the Q

BW shot of the flower

Cloudscape

Black and White

Momo´s Helix

Bee in Black and White

The monochromatic Brooklyn Bridge

Uralla Train Station

6 Serenity

Vik Beach Stacks, Iceland

bay bridge night shot