Tips for Better Black and White Photography on Google Pixel 7a
Posted on 18th June 2023
Get the right phone
If you’re serious about black and white photography, you’ll need a phone with a good camera. The Google Pixel 7a is a great option. It has a 12.2-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This means it can let in more light, which is important for black and white photography.
Choose the right settings
When you’re taking a black and white photo, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right settings. First, you’ll want to turn off the auto white balance. This will ensure that your photos aren’t tinted with a color cast. Second, you’ll want to increase the exposure. This will help to make sure your photos are well-lit. Third, you’ll want to set the metering mode to spot metering. This will help you to get the exposure right in tricky lighting situations. Finally, you’ll want to turn off the flash. Flash can often wash out black and white photos.
Find the right subject
Not all subjects are well suited for black and white photography. Look for subjects with strong contrast and interesting textures. Black and white photos often look best when there’s a mix of light and dark tones.
experiment with filters
One of the great things about black and white photography is that you can experiment with different filters. There are a variety of filters that can change the look of your photos. For example, you can use a yellow filter to darken the blue sky. Or you can use a red filter to bring out the details in a sunset.
Pay attention to the composition
When you’re taking a black and white photo, it’s important to pay attention to the composition. The rule of thirds is a good guideline to follow. Imagine your photo divided into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Try to place your subject along one of these lines or at the intersection of two lines. This will help to create a more interesting and visually pleasing photo.
Shoot in RAW
When you’re shooting black and white photos, it’s best to shoot in RAW. RAW files contain more data than JPEG files. This means they provide more information for post-processing. It also means they take up more space on your memory card. But the extra data is worth it, as it gives you more flexibility when editing your photos.
Edit your photos
Once you’ve taken your black and white photos, it’s time to edit them. There are a few things you can do to make your photos look their best. First, you can adjust the levels. This will help to bring out the details in your photos. Second, you can play with the curves. This will help to add contrast and depth to your photos. Third, you can experiment with different filters. This will help to give your photos a unique look.
Conclusion
Black and white photography can be a great way to capture the world around you. By following these tips, you can take beautiful black and white photos with your Google Pixel 7a.
5. Underexpose your images
If you want to create truly stunning black and white images, then you need to experiment with underexposing your shots. This is because underexposing an image will make the shadows appear darker, which can add a tremendous amount of depth and drama to a photo. Conversely, overexposing an image will make the highlights appear brighter, which can create a more washed-out look.
Of course, underexposing an image can also be a risky proposition, as it can cause the image to appear too dark and muddy. As such, it’s important to find the right balance between underexposing and overexposing your shots. Fortunately, the Google Pixel 7a’s HDR+ mode does a great job of automatically balancing the exposure of an image, so you can just focus on composition and framing.
6. Use a tripod
If you really want to nail the perfect black and white photo, then you’re going to need to use a tripod. This is because a tripod will allow you to take your time and compose your shot exactly as you want it. Furthermore, a tripod will also prevent your camera from shaking, which can cause your photo to appear blurry.
Of course, not everyone has a tripod, and not every situation lends itself to using one. In these cases, you can try to find something else to rest your camera on, such as a table, a wall, or even your own body.
7. Shoot in RAW
If you want to have the most flexibility when it comes to post-processing your black and white images, then you’ll need to shoot in RAW. This is because RAW files contain all of the data captured by your camera’s sensor, which gives you a lot more leeway when it comes to editing.
Conversely, JPEG files are compressed and contain less data, which means that you won’t be able to make as many adjustments in post-processing. As such, if you want to be able to really fine-tune your black and white images, then you’ll need to shoot in RAW.
8. Use a filter
If you want to add a bit of extra drama to your black and white images, then you can always try using a filter. For instance, you can use a red filter, which will make the blue sky appear darker and the clouds more dramatic. Or, you can use a yellow filter, which will make the green foliage appear lighter.
Of course, you don’t necessarily need to use a physical filter, as you can always add one in post-processing. However, if you want to get the effect in-camera, then you’ll need to use a physical filter.
9. Convert to black and white in post-processing
If you’re not sure whether you want to shoot in black and white or color, then you can always shoot in color and convert to black and white in post-processing. This is a great way to give yourself some flexibility, as you can always go back and edit the image in color if you change your mind.
To convert an image to black and white in Google Photos, simply open the image and tap the “Edit” icon. Then, tap the “B&W” icon at the bottom of the screen. From there, you can fine-tune the conversion by adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation.
10. Have fun!
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to have fun with black and white photography. Experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you. There is no right or wrong way to shoot in black and white, so just go out and shoot!
