Title: Open-Concept.

Tonal Contrast in Black and White Photography

Contrast in photographs is an effective means of directing the viewer’s attention to the center of interest. Positioning of subject elements to create contrast gives them added emphasis and directs the viewer’s attention. When talking about contrast in black and white photography we look at the difference in a subject tones from white to gray to black or from the lightest tone to the darkest tone.

In black and white photography, contrast is considered either high, normal, or low. A high-contrast consists primarily of white and black with few or no middle gray tones. Imagine if you will a caucasian male in an all black suit against a light background, this is an example of a high-contrast scene. Most scenes you photograph have normal contrast. This means there will probably be elements within the scene that are very light or white, some that are very dark or black, and many tones or colors that reproduce as various tones of gray. Some consider normal contrast to be the shining example of perfection in photography situations. A low-contrast or flat scene has colors or tones in which highlights and shadows have very little difference in densities. In other words, all the colors or tones in the scene look the same. Think again of the caucasian male but this time imagine that he is wearing a white uniform against a light background.

So what does all this mean? High contrast conveys a sense of hardness and is characteristic of strength and power. Low contrast conveys a sense of softness and is characteristic of gentleness and mildness. In black and white photography these two scenarios are key. High and low contrast images make the best black and white photographs… a normal contrast photo in black and white lacks that spark.

Hope this helps you see the difference between the different contrasts in black and white photography! As always, practice makes perfect…