The Classic Black and White Image

[maxby]

The Classic Black and White Image.





“Classic” - of or adhering to an established set of artistic or scientific standards or methods: a classic example of mid-Victorian architecture.

Since the days of William Talbot Fox in the 1850’s, black and white photography has evolved. It took more than 100 years before color photography and lately digital photography become the latest medium.

During that period of more than 150 years, various B&W mediums and techniques were developed and used. Improvements and discovery of new tools and physical medium have herald changes in the way a B&W images were presented.

Fast forward to 1950’s and 60’s which were considered as the pinnacle in B&W photography. One name looms ahead of others, Ansel Adams. He formally brought B&W photography into a science with his famous “zone system”.



Picture by Talbot Fox.



1. So what is the classic black and white image?





“A black and white image should contain minimum block shadows and blown highlights. It should contain a variety of shades of grey in between.”

That means all details present in the image can be clearly seen.

2. Is this objective easy to achieve?

For more than 150 years man has developed various ways to achieve this objective with better films, paper, chemicals and now the digital medium. The learning curve now becomes shorter.



3. How do you achieve this objective?

a. Understanding the sensor (film)
The basic principles of the past can be applied in this digital age. It starts with understanding your film or sensor. In the old days, photographers, me included, have spent time testing films and trying to discover its characteristics in terms of the exposure latitude, exposure curves (toe and shoulder characteristics) and its reaction with various chemical developers.

Today I hardly see enthusiast photographers test their digital sensors. Unless you can understand the characteristics of the sensors you are using, you won’t be able to explore its limits.

b. Exposure techniques
Good exposure techniques should not be overlooked just because the camera has a built-in “does everything” metering (spot, average and matrix). After understanding (a) the sensor, one needs to expose the scene within its limits.





c. Post processing
Post processing is 50% of the process of creating an image….even in the film days. Most enthusiasts then would need to have their own darkroom in order to control the final output. Today with the lightroom, the control of the output is in the hands of most photographers.





4. Where do we go from here?



The black and white medium has changed. There are more tools available today. The Photoshop has been able to emulate (simulate) the process of the wet darkroom and more, at least on the computer screen. However the output is different. The feel of warm tone fibre based paper, gold tone, cyanotype, platinum prints etc are unique in its own right.

With “photoshop” one can explore the different ways of presenting a B&W image and is available to the masses. However, the underlining principles of how to achieve a “classic” good image are assets to own in the arsenal of tools and skills in today’s photography.

Cheers!

[noordin]

Superb article.

Thanks for taking the time to write the piece for the benefit of us members.

[damak]

thank you maxby. really appreciated you wrote this article, very educational and an eye opener!

[Kingsley244]

A real sifu is not only one who knows but more importantly he is one who imparts his knowledge and skills.

Thank you, sir.

[red406]

very informative...


thanks maxby..!!

[abu_muadz]

Another informative article for B&W film user.

Thanks!

[maxby]

Originally Posted by divina These are fundamental issues in the making of the "classic black & white image". Unfortunately you stop short here on how to understand the sensor and how to expose properly. You might had written this somewhere else, but in reading this article, one might be left wanting to know how to go about understanding the sensor and how to expose in the making of a "classic B&W image". I tried to put myself into the position of one who does not know how to understand the sensor and how to expose. And I am left wondering how to proceed.

I am waiting for a partner in crime...hehehe! So can I entrust the second part to you? I know that you are very capable of having these type of verbal diarrhoea.....

[pulungaldila]

definitely a great article..thanks for sharing..

[JLwc]

Originally Posted by maxby I am waiting for a partner in crime...hehehe! So can I entrust the second part to you? I know that you are very capable of having these type of verbal diarrhoea.....

True True!!! Its always nice to leave some space for others.

[maxby]

Originally Posted by JLwc True True!!! Its always nice to leave some space for others.

Let's have a show of hands for divina to write the article.....

[pointblank]

Originally Posted by divina These are fundamental issues in the making of the "classic black & white image". Unfortunately you stop short here on how to understand the sensor and how to expose properly. You might had written this somewhere else, but in reading this article, one might be left wanting to know how to go about understanding the sensor and how to expose in the making of a "classic B&W image". I tried to put myself into the position of one who does not know how to understand the sensor and how to expose. And I am left wondering how to proceed.

It's like industry standards, they tell you what to do but not how to do it. Being a teacher I always try and figure if my students want to get educated, gaining some knowledge, or if they truly want to absorb the skills in doing it themselves.

And you know what, it is very difficult to say since everyone has their own perception and expectations.

I agree with you and get the point for those who truly want to explore the technique of a classic B&W but at the same time I highly respect Maxby for taking his time to sit down, write and inform fellow PM-ers, as this forum has already too many one-liners not contributing anything if others are reaching out their hand for help.

I guess those who really want to know the nitty gritty will ultimately be able to get that information, by further socializing in TT sessions or the many outings that are being organized here. And, so i must admit, it has drawn my curiosity in how to do it as well.

And yes, guilty your honour ...

[noruazumi]

Great share, Maxby! Thanks for the effort.

*raise hand*

I have one question tho'. In point #1, you have clearly stated that classic black & white is

“A black and white image should contain minimum block shadows and blown highlights. It should contain a variety of shades of grey in between.” That means all details present in the image can be clearly seen.

However, in point #4, you have included a high-contrast black & white image. Is the photo can also be considered as classic?

[maxby]

Originally Posted by noruazumi I have one question tho'. In point #1, you have clearly stated that classic black & white is However, in point #4, you have included a high-contrast black & white image. Is the photo can also be considered as classic?

That image was put under the heading - Where do we go from here?

With a versatile post processing tool like photoshop, the "BnW" image would evolve, pushing the limits of this tool....like what lancey tried to do.

[noruazumi]

Originally Posted by maxby That image was put under the heading - Where do we go from here? With a versatile post processing tool like photoshop, the "BnW" image would evolve, pushing the limits of this tool....like what lancey tried to do.

Ah... Ok, now I understand. Thanks for the explanation.

[nel]

... ** reading and learning ** ... ...

[Lancey]

seriously , to hell with Classic.

[Lancey]

Originally Posted by divina Having said that, these so-called "limits" are nothing new. They have been there for a long long time. And if one is vaguely familiar with B&W imagery, one will know that these kinds of images are actually very cliche.

actually, b/w in itself is a cliche. Duh

[david.tan]

wow ! a truely master of BW... :salute:

a eye with a good BW, can see "those" thing eh... ?

the sweetest BW i ever seen is still made from 60s leica + 60s BW film !

[Kingsley244]

I am very sad. Things that I am just starting to learn (like what is a classic b&w image) are already "cliches" to Divina and Lancey. I must catch up with the times.

[Kingsley244]

Originally Posted by divina A lot depends on what photography means to you.

Nothing much. Having fun, learning a new skill, acquiring some new knowledge, meeting new friends, showing off some gears once in a while, that sort of things.

Originally Posted by divina They become cliche when they are overused and predictable. And often superficial.

Can't agree with you more. Like a wife telling her husband how much she loves him after she has just gone to Bukit Bintang (Orchard Road, for you) with his supplemental credit card.