What’s poppin’, people? I’ve been photographing for over a decade, but two years ago, I made a huge shift—from color to black-and-white. It’s changed everything for me. In this post, I’ll break down my process, my philosophy, and why photographing in black-and-white feels like I’m capturing not just the world, but my soul. Let’s dive in.
Why I Switched to Black-and-White Street Photography
Today, I want to share some thoughts about my new process of photographing on the streets in black and white. I’ve been photographing for the past ten years, but it wasn’t until over two years ago that I made the shift from color to black and white.
This change has been monumental for me. I had gotten so comfortable with my color workflow, photographing all over the world and in my hometown. Breaking out of that comfort zone was a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Using the Ricoh GR3 and GR3X, I’ve embraced a compact, minimal setup. Every day feels like I’m starting from scratch, exploring with curiosity at the forefront.
Photography as a Visual Diary
These days, I treat photography as a visual diary of my day. It’s no longer just about documenting the world around me but about photographing my soul—who I am and how I perceive the world. In the past, my work in color was focused on the external: other people, places, and things. Now, photographing in black and white feels more internal, meditative, and intuitive.
“Maybe in the past, I was photographing the external. Now I’m photographing the internal.”
Letting Go of Control
One major shift in my process has been letting go of control. Half the time, I’m not even looking through the camera lens or the LCD screen. By removing a viewfinder, I allow my intuition to guide me, embracing spontaneity. This approach has brought a spirit of play into my photography, reflecting the raw and candid nature of life on the streets.
Key Workflow Tips:
- Use Program Mode (P Mode) for spontaneity.
- Adjust exposure compensation (EV) as needed.
- Shoot with a high-contrast black-and-white profile baked in-camera.
- Use a wrist strap for security and flexibility.
“I’m no longer on the hunt for my next best photo. I know that my next photo is my best photo.”
Learning Through Repetition
I often photograph the same streets, the same mundane paths, day after day, through all seasons. By doing so, I’ve learned the rhythm of the streets—the way light falls in the winter or how shadows dance in the summer. Repetition hones my intuition and sharpens my visual acuity.
For example, during the winter months, Market Street in Philadelphia offers beautiful light that reflects in unique ways. I’ve come to know exactly where to be at certain times of the year to capture these moments.
Iconic Photos in My New Workflow
Thanksgiving Parade (2022)
This photo was made at Logan Square during the Thanksgiving Parade. It features a boy playing on a sculpture of a Native American man. What makes the photo work is the juxtaposition of the boy’s hand with the sculpture’s hand, creating a spiraling composition. Without the boy, the photo would fall flat.
“Adding the human element into this moment and looking at the gesture of the boy elevates the frame and makes a successful picture.”
Coney Island Basketball Dunk
On my first trip to Coney Island, I witnessed a man dunking a basketball on the beach. Aligning the amusement ride in the background with the leaping figure, I created a photo that felt timeless. It’s a testament to layering and paying attention to both background and foreground elements.
Embracing Flux
One of the most powerful ideas guiding my photography is inspired by Heraclitus:
“You cannot step in the same river twice.”
Similarly, you can never make the same photograph twice. Life is in flux, and every photograph captures a fleeting moment that can never be replicated. This philosophy keeps my curiosity alive and drives me to photograph the same locations in new ways.
Practical Techniques
Adjusting Exposure Compensation
To make my photos more striking, I often underexpose by -0.3, -0.7, or even -1 EV. This technique helps me crush the blacks and emphasize the highlights. Using the highlight-weighted metering mode, I expose for the highlights, ensuring the shadows remain dramatic.
Playing with Perspective
I experiment with vertical and horizontal compositions. For vertical shots, I hold the camera differently, using my middle finger on the shutter. This allows for quick adjustments and micro-movements that help me frame intuitively.
Photographing in Pockets of Light
Inspired by Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro, I look for areas where the sun creates dramatic contrasts. I position myself so the sun is at my back, illuminating subjects while the background remains in shadow. This creates a painterly effect, emphasizing emotion and gesture.
Photographing Famous Landmarks
The Colosseum, Rome
During my two-month stay in Rome, I photographed the Colosseum at sunset. I treated the world as a stage, aligning the Colosseum in the background, a shadow in the foreground, and a woman gazing back at me. By observing life as a visual puzzle, I was able to synthesize a cohesive composition.
Philosophy of Photography
“What you see isn’t what you get. What you get is what you didn’t see.”
Photography allows me to create a new world in a fraction of a second. Through abstraction and intuition, I aim to make the mundane extraordinary. By embracing change and simplifying my process, I can photograph endlessly without burnout.
Key Takeaways:
- Photography is a process of becoming, not mastering.
- Curiosity fuels creativity; strive to increase it by 1% every day.
- Simplify your workflow to focus on the joy of creating.
Final Thoughts
This new black-and-white process has brought me so much joy. By treating photography as a visual diary and embracing the philosophy of flux, I’ve rediscovered my love for the medium. Whether I’m photographing a shadow on the boardwalk or a reflection in a puddle, every moment feels new and alive.
I encourage you to try this approach—experiment, play, and let go of perfection. Who knows what you’ll discover?
For more on my process, check out my YouTube channel or visit my blog. Until next time, keep shooting and stay curious.