Derek Nielsen Photography

Black and white nature and landscape photography prints are timeless additions to any interior design. In the first place, they go with any color palette while giving the space an immediate boost in sophistication. Most of us know the work of famous photographer Ansel Adams and the other legends. But, what about black and white photography speaks to us? What makes a good black-and-white photo? Let us dive into all aspects of black-and-white photography to reveal why the absence of color hasn’t gone out of fashion. First, I’ll cover some of the pioneers who mastered the craft. Then, we will dive into what components make strong black-and-white images. Finally, I’ll share professional tips on how to use them in your interior design. 

Best Black and White Photographers

Ansel Adams is one of the most famous photographers of all time. However, what he made famous, others have also perfected over the decades. Here are a few names you should know and some of my personal favorites to study. Before we dive into the rest of the article, I thought we should learn about some of the early greats. 

Early Pioneers

• Edward Weston – Born just north of my home city of Chicago in 1886, Edward Weston picked up a camera at the age of 16. His work with nature, nudes, landscapes, and still life landed him in the conversation of the greatest of all time. His work has been displayed by the Museum of Modern Art in New York, The Smithsonian, and he was the first photographer to receive a fellowship with Guggenheim for his experimental work.
• Edward Steichen – Another Midwest native (I swear I am not hand-picking these for my connection to Chicago, haha), Steichen left in his twenties to study art in Paris. His work spanned everything from fashion to war images to landscapes. With a career full of achievements, such as being the director of photography at the Museum of Modern Art and being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Steichen’s work is coveted. In fact, his famous work The Flatiron sold at auction in 2022 for a staggering $11,840,000. 
• Ylla – a.k.a Camilla Koffler, was considered one of the best animal photographers in the world during her career. She was an avid traveler whos work inspired a generation. Her work can be found in museums across the globe. As with my own career, she first photographed exotic animals in zoos but once see saw them in the wild she could no longer do so. 
• Carleton Watkins – One of the most famous early photographers of the United States West, Watkins brought the beauty of Yosemite and the Pacific coast to the world. He is a personal hero to me because he is one of the first environmental conservation photographers. His work influenced Abraham Lincoln to sign the Yosemite Grant, creating a precedent that the land should be utilized by the public, rendering it off-limits to industry.
• Ansel Adams – Now a household name is as attached to photography as Michael Jordan is to basketball, Ansel Adams is one of the top 5 most famous photographers of all time. Coupled with his immense talent, Adams was a dedicated environmentalist. Adams’s contributions to photography landed him on Mount Rushmore of photography. I can not tell you how many times I have heard non-photographers refer to one of my shots as “that looks like an Ansel Adams.” Whether it is an accurate comparison or not, it is certainly a compliment. 

What Makes A Strong Black And White Photo

​Monochrome photos have one of several key components. Because of their importance in this photography category, I’ll dedicate an entire section to each. In the absence of color, black-and-white photography relies more on composition, tonal contrast, negative space, texture, and exposure time. 

Popular Subjects Used In Black And White Nature Photography

Because the dramatic works so well in monochrome images, black and white landscape photographers often find national parks high on their favorite subjects list. El Capitan in South America, Yosemite and the Grand Teton National Parks in North America, and the Alps in Europe are popular because they are so dramatic. Parts of the Himalayas are also popular, but because they can be more difficult to get to, we see them less in fine art galleries or on social media. Other popular subjects include desert sand dunes because of their texture and patterns, simple subjects like a single tree out in a field, and coastlines for the ability to play with long exposures to create movement. 

Composition for Black And White Nature Photography

For any kind of photography, composition is important, but with black-and-white photography, it is critical. Color photography has the luxury of using color theory or combinations of colors that appeal to people. Black and white landscape photos require more intention for how you fill the scene. Elements like leading lines, rule of thirds, negative space, and rich blacks contrast, revealing light tones. For this reason, the subject matter is also important. 

Tonal Range In Black And White Prints

Tonal range is the entire spread from deep black to bright white and everything in between. Depending on what you as the artist is looking for in the final result, it is a good idea to be intentional about your tonal range. Are you looking for strong contrast between elements or are you looking for a soft transition? Each gives the final print a very different feel. Play around with the shadows midtones to see if you prefer less or more. 

Tension And The Unknown In Negative Space

Black-and-white images with big, deep negative spaces cause tension within us. Instinctively, we are aware of the shadows that harbor the unknown. Scary movies typically take place at night because the bad guy can jump out of the darkness. The same works for photography. Let the darkness be an asset instead of a hindrance. 

Long Exposure Techniques For Great Black And White Photos

Long-exposure black-and-white landscape images use a slow shutter speed to create silky movement in the final image. For best results, photographers use neutral density filters, a tripod, cable release, or a timer to let less light into the shutter while keeping it steady. Nd filters come in various levels of darkness. Some only reduce the light a little bit, whereas others are nearly black. Set your composition on a fixed focal point, then add the filter over the lens before pressing the shutter. This is a good way to make sure your composition is correct, particularly with darker filters. Annalize each image, then make minor adjustments to create the perfect feel for what you are going for. 

Convert Color Images Into Black And White

At the top the original color image straight from the camera. After, a converted black and white image by just using a click of the button on Photoshop and adjusting a few sliders. As a result, below shows a powerful moving black and white fine art print as the focal point of the living room.

With today’s technology, it is easier than ever to convert color images into black and white. Unfortunately, the opposite is not true. I recommend shooting everything you can in color and then using software like Adobe Photoshop or similar programs to convert them with a click of a button.

Black And White Nature Photography For Interior Design

There are not many types of photography that work with most interior designs like black and white photos do. Without the need to worry about colors clashing, fine art, such as black and white images, is a timeless addition. Whether you are going for one massive print to fill the wall or a collection of prints around a theme, black-and-white photography elevates the elegance of your design. They are perfect for minimalist designs because they don’t overwhelm the simplicity of the design like loud colors might. For the opposite feel, rooms with a bright accent wall or pops of color throughout the room, black and white photos break up the loudness by introducing neutral focal points. 

Use Nature And Landscape Photos For Inspiration Inside Your Home

It is scientifically proven that adding nature photography to your home decor actually has added health benefits. Just looking at a calming or inspiring nature scene like a mountain meadow can lower your blood pressure and release positive chemicals like dopamine.

Derek Nielsen Fine Art Black And White Nature Photography Gallery

As a professional photographer, I look to all kinds of visual presentations for my work. When something speaks to me, I just go with it. Trust your eye. This is art, and there are no rules. Do not put the camera away just because the blue and golden hours have ended. Black-and-white photography is less dependent on color. Below is a gallery of fine art black-and-white nature images from all around the world. Please enjoy browsing the gallery. I would love to hear your comments about what images speak to you. The more we fall in love with nature, the better chance it has to be, as we will remember it for future generations.