Monochrome Photography

Monochrome photography is more about composure and subject choice. It can be incorporated with any other prime genre to get some experimentation and innovative shots.

How to achieve monochrome photography

Monochrome photography is a type of photography that focuses on one colour palette, for example, all shades of green or all shades of yellow. You must only choose one colour from the colour wheel and the photograph should reflect only the shades of the chosen colour.

Techniques

There are three different ways and techniques in which you can accomplish this type of photography.

Natural monochrome photography

Natural monochromes are objects or frames in nature or any location that automatically have the shades of any monochromatic colour. Natural monochrome photography is the true essence of this genre. In short, you do not require any post-processing modification of colour for this type of photography as the subject and all objects withing the frame will have the same colour and same naturally monochromatic tones of one colour.

For example, red wine being poured into a red-tinged wine glass would fit within the definition of natural monochrome photography or the natural blue hues of an ocean. A close-up of a monotoned leaf can also be counted as a natural monochrome provided it has only shades of one colour.

Filtered monochrome photography

Another technique of photographing monochromes is by using default filters. Some of the common filters used for monochrome photography are sepia toned filters which produce a warm tone and cyan for some naturally cool-toned photographs.

Post-processed monochromes

Taking a photograph of any scene as a coloured image and then post processing it to create a monochrome is the most common way to achieve monochromatic images. Convert it into a monochrome using applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom is relatively straight forward.

To achieve this effect, you would essentially apply a monochromatic preset and then adjust the colour tones to create different shades of one colour. It is important to use RAW files so that you have a greater colour gamut and capacity for post processing.

Tips for monochrome photography

This type of photography is so diverse it can be coupled with a multitude of genres. Here are a few tips that will help you when attempting monochrome photography.

The subject

Ensure that you have a strong subject as your focus point. The colour of your subject usually denotes the colour palette you are going for so choose a subject and the background accordingly.

Use shades of colour

While photographing monochromes, don’t just focus on one shade. Instead, choose a colour and use its different shades and tones to create a moody and impressive monochrome. For example, if you have chosen yellow, incorporate the light lemon-yellow shades and yellow ochres and even lighter browns at times as it can be considered from the same colour family.

Shapes and structures

While focusing on the subject, create a composition in such a way that it accentuates good symmetry and reflects your theme. Good monochromes thrive on lines, patterns, textures, and camera angles. Experiment with these to succeed in creating a balanced result.

Mind the light

Light plays an important role in all genres of photography, but especially so when attempting monochrome photography. You have a lot of liberty to play with lighting and shadows in the monochrome genre because it is the light and shadows that determine the effectiveness of the image rather than the colours within the composition.

Creating contrasts, highlights, and shadows by placing your light source in different directions can get you different perspectives. Experiment with different light levels and sources.

Indoor vs outdoor

If your sole requirement is a monochromatic image, then it can be preferred to photograph indoors. In indoor photography, you can add backgrounds and elements that suit and reflect your colour requirement., whereas you face certain colour obstacles outdoors due the large expanse of colours that cannot be controlled as effectively as indoor monochromes.

The entire foreground and background formation and design are under your control for indoor monochromes. While shooting outdoors you lose that colour control, and you must make up for those difficulties during post-processing.

How to earn money through monochrome photography

Monochrome photography can be easily practised anywhere during any kind of photoshoot. Rather than pursuing such a specific genre of monochrome photography, you can study and learn a more primary and commercial form of photography such as sports or fashion which are highly in-demand and then build on your monochrome post processing skills.

If you wish to earn money only through monochromes, you can build a social media portfolio, which will assist you in becoming known as a monochromatic photographer and artist. You can also start selling images on stock photography sites or create or join an exhibition in your local town or city. You could also collaborate with brands that are looking for monochromatic ad campaigns.

Don’t forget to maintain your portfolio with continual new updates, and simultaneously continue monochromatic photography practice shoots as it will certainly help your commercial growth, creative growth, and recognition.

Colour palette knowledge

It will take time to master any genre of photography, and monochrome photography requires good knowledge of colour palettes and advanced skills to manipulate colour schemes whenever required. It will also require regular practice with multiple camera settings and filters to master Monochrome photography.

Portfolio

Create a website and maintain a portfolio of your monochrome images and also display them on your social media accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.