I always shoot in Raw and convert to black and white in post processing. This way you have the option of choosing color or black and white later.

This is especially helpful when shooting at sunset. The colors at sunset can be amazing, but if you look at it in black and white, you can see something unexpected. Raw gives you this option.

Always start by looking for scenes that offer a wide range of tonal contrast. All colors are converted to shades of grey and the differences between these shades is tonal contrast.

The deeper blacks and whiter whites provide a more dramatic image. Look for dramatic sources of light that create a wider range:

-Dappled/Pockets of light
-Harsh streaming light
-Backlight

Besides finding natural texture on your subjects in their environment, I use a lot of tools to add texture and depth to images. The more depth, the more visually pleasing your image can be. These can include:

-Fog
-Water droplets/Rain
-Snow
-Reflections
-Clouds

You can add these elements in organically, or in the case of fog, invest in a fog machine. I find my kids are enthralled with it and it gives me a little more time with them to shoot. When using water, make sure to position yourself in the light to where its reflecting off the water itself.

I find I’m more successful when using water where there is light streaming in, for example, through tree branches. This little bit of harsh light really reflects nicely on the water.

Patterns, shapes, and lines that are created by shadows and light are my favorite to use in my images. Once I find something that will look amazing, I place my subject into the scene.

Always be looking for this everywhere you go. You may consider keeping a light journal in case you find a fabulous location where the light is perfect and creating something spectacular. I can go back to this location with my kids around the same time and date. O

Once I find a location, I will place my subject into the light and maneuver them to make the light or shadows fall on them just how I envision. Sometimes I want a line running across their face or just their face to fall outside of the patterns.

In post processing, after adjusting exposure, add more contrast if needed to get deeper blacks. I also play with whites and highlights to get my whites on the other side of the spectrum. Clarity is also important as it adds mid-tone contrast.

Don’t go overboard on clarity however, because it can cause the image to look overly sharpened. I especially watch this closely if its a portrait.