Learn: 14 Tips for Black-and-White Street Photography

Capturing black-and-white images can feel entirely different from snapping shots in colour. The process might seem the same, but by removing colour from photos, you create the need to sharpen other aspects of your shots.

Luckily for you, we have some top-tier tips from Ian Howorth, a documentary photographer based in Brighton. Ian has published two photography books, and his work has been featured in The Guardian and The New York Times along with several other publications.

Ian took his photo-snapping skills to the streets of New York, along with the Leica M10 Monochrom, the 35mm f/2 ZM M and the 50mm f/2 Summicron-M. 

Watch our YouTube video below to witness Ian’s NYC adventures in their full glory. Our Brooklyn-based videographer Justin Patricolo shot this video with the Sony FX3 and the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and used the Rode Wireless GO II for audio.

For a black-and-white camera comparison, check out our breakdown of the Leica M10 Monochrom vs. M Typ 246 Monochrom.

Without further ado, let’s jump straight into our top tips for black-and-white street photography.

1. Forget About Colour

Let’s start with a simple tip. It sounds obvious enough, but forgetting about colour isn’t always easy in the moment. See a neon sign with bold yellow text? You’ll probably feel that initial excitement, but it’s best to let it go quickly. The shot might look great in colour, but the same can look lacklustre in black and white. So, remember to prioritise other photographic factors when snapping black-and-white shots. 

This raises the question: where should you start?

2. Look At Light & Shadows

Light and shadows in photography are excellent elements to focus on, particularly when shooting in black-and-white. With pops of colour off the table, light and shadows add that extra oomph you’re looking for. Softer shadows complement a more cinematic approach where the exposure between light and dark is closer. However, high contrast with a high midday sun creates highlights that cause dark shadows for a different feel. Like many aspects of street photography, it mostly comes down to personal preference. 

3. Remove Distractions

When shooting any genre of photography, minimise distractions as much as possible. This is much easier when you know what you’re looking for in a shot. First off, remember you can always crop your image. You can always remove distractions from shots if they aren’t front and centre. If they are in the middle of the frame, try using another element to block the distraction. 

Changing your camera angle can often prevent distractions. If an unwanted object is in the frame when shooting a subject from the left, try shifting to the right. A quick angle change can work wonders for including or excluding something in the background.

Lastly, you can always remove distractions in post. A blemish can be removed instantly by using Photoshop or a similar photo-editing software, so there’s no sweat there.

4. Shoot in RAW & Post Process

Snap your black-and-white street shots in RAW for the highest-quality images. RAW files are lossless, meaning they take uncompressed data from your camera sensor. This means RAW files are considerably larger, so make sure you have plenty of storage for all the shots you need.

A major plus of RAW files is they give you much more flexibility when editing black-and-white photos. JPEG processing automatically applies certain settings to your images, and much of the data is permanently discarded. This leads to fewer potential tonal values, missing details in overexposed highlights, lost shadow details and more. Simply put, RAW gives you better quality and more creative control.

5. Play with Camera Exposure

If you’re aiming for high contrast, you might need a high midday sun when the light’s at its brightest. This leads to the necessary exposure for the highlights to create dark shadows. If a more cinematic approach appeals to you, seek out softer shadows where the exposure between light and dark is closer. Some shots are underexposed by a few stops in the camera to allow some of the texture to pop in post. It should come as no surprise that testing what works for you is key — you’ll probably find what you like the most just by trying different things.

6. Look for Interesting Backgrounds

No one’s amazed by a drab photo on a dull backdrop. Find an eye-catching spot that will give life to your subject and the shot as a whole. It’s even better if you can find one that complements your subject and the feeling(s) you want the viewer to experience. By finding unique backgrounds, you can pinpoint possible opportunities for dynamic shots. You’re more likely to catch an exciting environmental engagement if you pick a fountain as your focal point rather than a trash can.

7. Be Patient

Patience is a virtue — one that’s especially apparent to seasoned street photographers. Even the simplest of shots can be the result of playing the waiting game and allowing aspects of your photo to fall into place. Whether you’re looking for a certain pair of shoes, a high-profile hairstyle or a stunning smile, always take the time for it to come along rather than settling for an inferior shot simply because it’s easier and less time-consuming.

8. Improve Your Composition

Subject matter and composition in photography go hand in hand. Addition by subtraction can also come into play here. Eliminate elements in the frame that contradict the emotion you want to convey. You can always mentally edit while shooting, so consider what you do (and don’t) want to include in the moment. 

You likely won’t find the perfect shot instantly, but a single second can create a magical moment. You may find something static, such as a poster, a building or a tree, that just needs someone to walk by. Waiting for a subject to appear in the right spot can complete the puzzle that is your perfect shot.

9. Capture Emotion

Capturing emotion in photography is easier said than done. You can’t always predict when an emotional display will occur, and it’s not something you can create whenever you want to. However, there are some methods of showcasing at least slightly more emotion than usual.

Focusing on someone’s eyes can communicate an abundance of emotion. The smallest shift in an eye can dictate whether someone looks like they could jump for joy or burst into tears. 

Composition can do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to capturing emotion. Shooting from up high makes your subject seem small, conveying feelings of insecurity or vulnerability. By shooting from below, you can elicit an epic sense of strength and awe.

You can, of course, capture emotion without people. Shots of animals often highlight heaps of emotion, whether they depict a joyful dog on a walk or a calm cat resting on a couch. Inanimate objects can lend themselves to emotional shots, too; a shattered glass can convey heartbreak while a plant sprouting through a parking lot can express hope.

10. Utilise Negative Space

Negative space is a go-to gadget in a street photographer’s toolkit. By using it to balance your subject and surroundings, you can easily emphasise the focal point of a shot. It’s smart to still use the rule of thirds, but you can play around and have fun with other elements of the shot. Try capturing something right in front of the camera and something all the way in the background. And, of course, try to remove any distractions in between.

Light and shadow can also help you create negative space. Try using both soft and harsh features to create contrast in your shots. You can always create your own negative space by playing with your composition and depth of field — blurring your background can be the best way to make a subject stand out.

11. Adjust Your ISO

One of the three elements of the exposure triangle, ISO controls how much light enters the camera, affecting an image’s brightness. A higher ISO raises the camera’s light sensitivity. This means you’ll want to raise your ISO if there’s insufficient lighting for your subject. On the other hand, you should lower your ISO in bright lighting.

12. Use a Prime Lens

Prime lenses are a must-have for black-and-white street photography, whether you're using 35mm vs. 50mm vs. 85mm. With better optical quality than zoom lenses, primes give you sharper details that stand out even more in black-and-white shots. You’ll also feel freer when shooting thanks to the fixed focal length, and the superior autofocus makes it simpler to snap quick shots. The larger maximum aperture makes primes ideal for low-light situations, also giving photographers a shallower depth of field.

Another plus of prime lenses is they typically weigh less. Their compact build makes them lighter and easier to carry when out on a shoot, allowing you to pack less and move more freely. 

If you need another lens for something other than black-and-white street photography, check out our guide to buying lenses for any photography genre.

13. Respect Privacy

Privacy has always been a grey area in street photography. You probably need to play things by ear and adjust to specific situations. After photographing a subject, it’s typically courteous to chat with them.

Simply put, be a decent, respectful human being while shooting on the street. If someone asks what you’re doing, tell them. Don’t be secretive about photographing them, especially if they seem uncomfortable with their photo being taken. 

It always helps to know the law regarding photographing strangers in public. Regardless of it, you can always play it safe. If someone objects to you photographing them and wants you to delete the shot, it’s probably best to trash it.

14. Learn from the Pros

It always helps to take advice from great artists. You can’t improve at anything if you think you have nothing left to learn, so keep your ears open when an experienced photographer shares some of their wisdom. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of their work, you can still pick up new tips or techniques that elevate your own photography. (They must be doing something right to make it as a professional photographer.)

So, where can you do this? The answer can be as simple as social media. Many artists share parts of their process online for anyone to access. There are also plenty of books, articles, and video guides to read (see our interview with black-and-white photographer Brandon Thibodeaux) and watch online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Settings Should I Use for Black-and-White Street Photography?

If your setup isn’t fully black-and-white like the Leica M10 Monochrom, try using a monochrome mode on your camera. This will help you see the world in black and white so you can avoid shooting photos that feel completely different in colour.

Setting your white balance to auto allows you to shoot rapidly without manually reacting to changes in lighting. This is especially useful when shooting in black and white.

Your ideal shutter speed depends on what you’re capturing. If your subject is ideal, use a low shutter speed for the highest image quality. If your subject is actively moving, increase the shutter speed to prevent motion blur.

If you’re shooting at night, try shooting in shutter priority mode with a higher ISO. You’ll want to increase the aperture so more light enters the camera when it’s dark out.

See our basic camera settings for beginners if you’re just jumping into photography.

Why Is Black-and-White So Popular for Street Photography?

Black-and-white photography strips images (and the world) down to the basics. The monochrome look gives photos a sense of simplicity and timelessness that’s tough to replicate when shooting in colour. This naturally makes viewers focus more on light, shadows, textures, etc. Countless iconic street photography shots were captured in colour, too, so many visual storytellers enjoy continuing the tradition.

Black-and-white shots often have a stronger emotional impact, which is useful when photographing people, pets, or other subjects on the street. By removing colour, you allow the subject to truly take centre stage.

It’s also worth noting that countless factors are out of your control in street photography. You can’t carefully adjust every element, including all the colours featured in a photograph. Black and white helps you capture the look and feel you want without letting an unexpected distraction derail your mission.

Can I Do Black-and-White Photography with My Phone?

Some smartphones allow you to shoot in black and white. There’s a chance you’ll have to apply a filter or remove saturation after shooting, but you’ll be able to achieve black-and-white shots using some method. However, unsurprisingly, it’ll be nearly impossible to reach the level of quality a dedicated camera will afford you. The image quality itself will be better and you’ll have more flexibility with shadows, lighting, exposure and more.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to take stunning black-and-white photos of your own. However, while these tips are useful for snapping striking images, don’t forget to fit your own personality into your work. Time-tested methods are always effective, but they shouldn’t be followed to a T — just use them as a general guide for your work. Otherwise, you’ll stifle your personal style and your work will lack its own special sauce. Always include your unique perspective to make your black-and-white shots truly yours.

For all things street photography, read our comprehensive guide to street photography. If you specifically want to improve your portraits on the street, see our tips for street portrait photography. Seeking the perfect street photography setup? Check out our top cameras for street photography.

For any other camera-related content, brush up on all things photography at the MPB content hub.