The bush is so often about vibrance, sunlight, clarity and distinctive colours. That said, sometimes a black and white image, if taken correctly, can enhance different qualities in your image in a way that colour does not. Here’s our advice on how to master black and white photography in the african bush.
Our 5 Tricks to Master Black & White Photography
Trick 1 – Choosing a subject
Some subjects lend themselves to colour and are not as effective in black and white. For example, sunset photographs rely on the colour of a great sky for their impact. Colourful birds, flowers and landscapes are other examples. In these instances, the only logical approach is to shoot your subject in colour. On the other hand, some subjects are ideally suited to black and white photography. Animals that have high contrasting coats and those with interesting patterns, textures and shades all make suitable subjects.
The perfect candidate for black and white photography.
Each individual zebra has unique markings. These stripes make for wonderful abstract and pattern photographs.
One of the most thrilling sightings a guest can ever have, following a pack of African wild dogs. The high contrasting coat of a wild dog lends itself wonderfully to black and white photographs.
Trick 2 – Change your mindset
Approaching black and white photography needs to be done very differently. You need to look at your subject and imagine it without colour. Pick up on the lines, shadows, shapes and contrasts rather than seeing it in a typical way. This is incredibly beneficial and allows you to interpret your subject in a different manner. You will find yourself focusing on specific parts of your subject that you would usually overlook. One thing is for sure; once you get into the ‘black and white headspace’ your photographs will showcase the character of the subject in an entirely different way.
There is a hint of innocence and forgiveness, not words often associated with a male lion, this feeling has been created by capturing the subject in this unique manner
The Camp Pan male doubled by his reflection as he drinks from Rhino Dam. A ‘black and white headspace’ has created this contrast of the white on the leopard and the darkness of the background.
Trick 3 – Using light
When photographing in colour I often go out in the early morning or late afternoon when lighting on your subject is soft. In black and white, it is the opposite, one is often found photographing when the sun is at its brightest in order to create those lines, shapes, shadows and contracts spoken about in point two. I am also more inclined to take photos looking directly toward the sun, to produce silhouettes that make the most of trees and other strong shapes against the sky.
Light skies and backgrounds make for wonderful contrasts.
The detail in the skin and tusks are captured perfectly in this portrait.
Trick 4 – Camera settings
Most of the time, black and white requires no different technical expertise than colour photography. To take better black and white photographs, you don’t necessarily need to change the way you use your camera. As bizarre as it sounds, I always shoot in colour and change to black and white during post-processing. With this being said, remember these two small tips to keep in mind when taking a photograph in colour with the intention of changing it into black and white. Firstly, shoot in a low ISO, where possible, this will create wonderfully crisp lines. Secondly, always shoot in RAW in order to have as much information available for use in the editing process.
The open areas provide perfect habitat for the resident cheetah on Londolozi. Also some great photographic opportunities with all the skeletons of dead knobthorns and marulas.
Trick 5 – Post-processing
My last point is incredibly important to take into consideration for post-processing as is enables you to get creative while converting into black and white. I have added an example below of how this is beneficial to you.
Camera RAW offers you the ability to convert your image to Grayscale and individually manipulate colour tone within your black and white image.
Observe the difference this makes to the post production of this image.
The scars that lie within the fine hairs.
Overlooking the kingdom they control.
Rule with fear.
Brothers in arms.
Weapons of mass destruction.
The Majingilane approach with power and dominance.
The face of a Sparta lioness, pondering her next move as she and her pride hunt a large herd of buffalo.
The Mashaba female poses for this interesting shot.
A zebra foal. Always close, connected to its mother.
Tusks and trunk in black and white.
The resident male cheetah allowed some great opportunities this week. Here he is alerted to the presence of some unknown threat in the area.
One of my favourites in black and white, this cheetah posed perfectly at the base of this knobthorn.
She peers at us over her left leg, hiding those distinctive spots on her nose.
Photographed by Mike Sutherland, Adam Bannister, James Hobson, Kate Neill
Written by Kate Neill
Interested in photography? Visit us at the Londolozi Creative Hub to find out more about camera rental, printing or simply to ask our advice during your stay.
Click here to find out more about our photography rentals.
What makes a good wildlife photograph?
So, what makes a good wildlife photograph? It’s, of course, not a simple and unilateral answer. A good wildlife photograph draws his excellence from his knowledge of his cameras, the animals he seeks to photograph, and his love of photography of course. This cannot be quantified, but it can, through sharing, be made available to all. Please feel free to consult our article: “What makes a good wildlife photograph?“.
Read more about:
- Photography Tips: take a Great Silhouette Shot
- Choosing a Background in Wildlife Photography
- What are the best focus settings for Wildlife Photography
If you want to know what wildlife photography is at Londolozi, check out our Photographic Safari experience page !
This is some of the best photography I have seen on this site and there are a lot of great shots all the time.Thanks
Thank you Stephan, we appreciate the feedback and are so pleased to hear you enjoy the photography on the blog.
Great black and whites guys, just bought a new camera, really looking forward to coming out and trying it out, enjoying all your photography tips.
Come soon Sue! We miss you! Look forward to seeing the new gear and seeing what comes from it! Much love, Kate
Very interesting post Kate with some fantastic images to showcase the potential of Black and White photography. Thank you
Black & white photography is my favorite – absolutely love these photo’s. Thanks for all the useful tips !!
Love the zebra shot- I will be bringing some b/w film with me in September.
Wonderful Ian. We would love to see your images after your trip. Please stay in touch with us.
Wow Kate, I feel quite intimidated by all your info about B&W photography. I would never be able to even get started, let alone compete! Thanks for the beautiful pictures