If you combine two of the most fascinating branches in photography (totally subjective comment ), what do you get? The black and white portrait of course Don't you tell me that as a photographer of any kind you have never made a portrait? You may have come here without photographing a building or a flower, but a face? I bet so, and also several times. And it would be hard for me to believe that you have never taken a black and white photograph. Whether directly from your camera or transforming it later, I would dare to say that you have done it, and also several times, am I wrong? Be that as it may, whether you're passionate about black and white or not, I recommend you take a look at the following selection of portraits. As we have recommended more than once, inspiration comes through multiple paths, one of them is to observe images of others, so relax and take a look at the following images, I hope you enjoy them .
1. AN IMAGE WITH NOISE
Not always the noise in an image is annoying, it can also be deeply pictorial and evocative, as in the following image.2. HIGH CONTRAST PHOTOGRAPHY
The high contrast (deep difference between light and shadow or between light and dark) can give us images such as the following, which not only impacts by the treatment of light and contrast, but also and above all by the message that transmits the image, Don't you think3. A DOSE OF ORIGINALITY
Different frames usually make us stop more before an image and get involved in it. How did it happen? Where are the legs? Who is this lord of the hat? Is it a self portrait? Oh no, it's the photograph of a photograph!4. DOUBLE EXPOSURE
We have already commented on this technique step by step on some occasions in this blog, you can see how to do it here , and the results of the blog followers here , in the challenge of double exposure.5. BLACK AND WHITE IN LOW KEY
It is another of the techniques that we have already commented on the blog. If you have a dark background, a specific light and some patience, you can dare with this technique. I assure you the results are fantastic. I recommend this article where you explain the low key and high step by step.6. BLACK AND WHITE IN HIGH KEY
If you are looking for an image full of light, pure and positive, you just need a white background and follow the advice in this article and be inspired by the results of the challenge we had on this topic here .7. THE EVERYDAY
It is not the first time we have commented on the importance in photography that objects and people around us have; of everyday life as an eternal source of inspiration. It is not necessary to go to the Orinoco Delta to obtain wonderful images of animals. If you have one, you do not need to leave home, and if not, it is a great excuse to make a book of your pet to a friend while you practice and do and undo as you like8. SYMBOLOGY
The abstract, the mysterious and / or the conceptual, link very well with black and white. Don't forget to exploit your possibilities9. IMAGE TREATMENT
Whether from the "purist" branch (the less touch-up better) or the "instagram generation" (where not using a filter is almost unthinkable) to convert an image to black and white, you always need to be processed. In your hand is staying with the type of processing that you define and in which you feel comfortable. Like everything, it is a matter of practice and trial-error.10. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
We have already commented on more than one occasion, the importance of everything that surrounds the protagonist of the image. Ideally, the environment reinforces the subject, makes it more interesting and highlights it.11. SILHOUETTES
We have already commented on how well the formal compositions are in black and white photography, right?12. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE GAZE OF THE HUMAN BEING
An intense look is in any animal species, you don't have to limit yourself to that of human beings.13. BLACK AND WHITE TEXTURES
Texture is a very important element in black and white photography, since by stripping color images, the rest of the elements become much more relevant, including texture.14. DO NOT LIMIT YOURSELF TO FACES
Look for original frames, new points of view, what really inspires you and gives free rein to your imagination