Using Contrast To Create Depth In Your Black & White Photos - In Post #506

Strong black and white images are all about shape, form, and contrast. Use contrast to accentuate key elements and accentuate depth and dimension in your black and white landscape photos. I’m partial to deep contrast in my black and white images. In this video, I’ll show you the series of adjustments I used in Lightroom to build up a deep monochrome landscape photo.

See the slideshow below for a summary of the steps. Each change builds up the story of this image. An ominous sky and a rugged landscape, with a bright glowing background off in the distance. The road ahead poses challenges and will be difficult to traverse, yet there is a bright, hopeful destination to be reached.

1 - Original Image

The basic treatment of the color photo.

2 - B&W Profile

Apply a rich, higher contrast black & white profile. I am partial to BW 04 in Lightroom.

3 - B&W Mix

Adjust the luminance of the various color channels for the B&W mix.

4 - Darken The Sky

Push the sky further into the background with a classic burn using a gradient filter.

5 - Enhance The Sky

Local contrast in the sky with Clarity amplifies the delta of light and shadow. Notice only the shadow areas are targeted with the range mask.

5 - A Bright, Airy Background

The background is brightened, providing a visual anchor. Softness adds an air of mystery.

7 - Dodge The Foreground

A subtle dodging of the foreground gives the viewer an anchor point. The very deep shadows remain untouched.

8 - Vignette

Biased slightly to the lower third, the vignette draws the viewer’s eye to the main story of the photo.

9 - Finished Image

Contrast adds depth and the layers of light and shadow tell a much stronger story.

View fullsize

Sunrise In The Sawtooth Mountain Wilderness Black & White
Contact Scott to commission a print or license this image.

---