Does anyone shoot black and white pictures anymore? Of course! It is still one of the first methods taught to photography students and it will always be a remarkable method of employing “chiaroscuro”, or the effects of light and shadow upon a scene.

While modern digital cameras are loaded with an incredible array of settings, all meant to capture images at their best – meaning colors at their brightest and most realistic – there is still a great deal to be said for black and white photography. It is a great venue for artistic exploration, and digital black and white images are as crisp and sharp, and high quality, as their color counterparts.

Just think, a black and white image offers none of the distractions as those in color, which means an artist can direct the viewer’s eye to specific images or areas of the photograph. Additionally, the format immediately presents an idea of timelessness to the viewer, removing any preconceived ideas about the time period or era when the image was taken. Black and white photography will also allow the photographer to play with areas of darkness and light that may be reduced or eliminated in the full color format.

While this all sounds great, there are some special factors that must be considered in black and white photography. For example, the lighting, textures and subject of the image must be taken into consideration when arranging the picture. The removal of color can create intentional, or unintentional, moods to an image, and must be considered. Additionally, light and shadow are also a concern to the black and white photographer. While some experienced artists set out to find gradients or dramatic shadow, some may not be aware of the strength of an area of light or darkness in the scene.

To address this the photographer should be always aware of “contrast”, or black versus white and all the varying shades of grey that are possible in the image. With this in mind the photographer must then consider the light, but not in the same manner of color photography since much of the light considered disruptive to color photography is ideal when composing black and white images. A final consideration is the “tone” of the image or photograph. Will the absence of color establish a mood or atmosphere?

This “mood” is the reason many weddings are photographed in black and white, because people generally associate such images with a classic tone of refinement and elegance. Additionally, the format makes wedding clothes appear with more detail and distinction from the background.

Black and white photography is far from an outdated method of capturing images, portraits or scenes. Most digital cameras have settings for black and white as well as sepia tones to allow the user a full-range of options. Black and white photography is considered an artistic and creative way to look at the world.

Amy Renfrey writes a bi-weekly/occasional article for The Corner Blog. Amy is a digital photographer, a photography teacher, and author of the popular Digital Photography Success package as well as her new book Powerful Landscape Photography. For more information, or to purchase her Photography Package, visit her site: Digital Photography Success and Powerful Landscape Photography.