Improving Photography Style: My Black-and-White Experiment
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram and seen those beautifully curated grids with a consistent aesthetic, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I get my work to look like that?” Spoiler alert: Me too.
I always felt like my photos were all over the place—some colorful, some dark and moody, some minimalistic. I wanted that consistent, recognizable vibe that instantly says, “That’s Cesar’s work.” So, I decided to shake things up.
I spent an entire month shooting, editing, and rediscovering photography—all in black and white. Here’s what happened and how you can use this trick to build your own style.
Why Black and White?
Shooting in black and white removes distractions. No color to hide behind—just composition, light, and storytelling. It forced me to focus on:
Contrast: How light and shadow shape the scene.
Textures: Details that add depth and emotion.
Composition: Framing that makes or breaks a shot.
Going monochrome simplifies your creative process, letting you develop instincts that carry over to color photography as well.
Key Lessons from My Experiment
1. Embrace Imperfection
I quickly realized that chasing perfection kills creativity. Instead of obsessing over flawless shots, I experimented more—shooting from weird angles, exploring harsh lighting, and capturing candid moments.
Pro Tip: Allow yourself to take “bad” shots. You’ll learn faster than if you wait for perfect conditions.
2. Look for Stories, Not Just Subjects
In black and white, people, objects, and settings take on new meanings. I started looking for moments that felt authentic rather than just “pretty.”
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “What emotion does this shot convey?” If it doesn’t spark something, move on.
3. Consistency Comes from Repetition
The more I shot, the clearer my preferences became. I noticed patterns in the types of textures, lighting, and subjects I kept returning to.
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink your “style.” Instead, shoot a LOT. Your style will reveal itself in the patterns you naturally gravitate toward.
My Black-and-White Workflow
Want to try this yourself? Here’s the simple process that worked for me:
Commit to a Time Frame: Set a goal (e.g., 2 weeks or 1 month) where you’ll shoot only in black and white.
Pick a Theme or Subject: Portraits, street photography, nature—pick something that excites you.
Shoot Every Day: Even if it’s just 5 minutes. Repetition is key.
Reflect on Patterns: Afterward, review your work. What themes, angles, or moods keep showing up?
Bonus Tips to Refine Style
Create a “Mood Board”: Save photos you admire and analyze what connects them.
Experiment with Editing Styles: Play with high contrast, soft tones, or deep blacks to see what resonates.
Trust Your Gut: Your style doesn’t need to match trends—follow what excites you.
The Big Takeaway
You’re probably closer to having a consistent photography style than you think. It’s less about forcing a look and more about discovering what naturally draws your eye. Experiment, explore, and most importantly, have fun with the process.
So grab your camera, set it to black and white, and start shooting—your signature style is waiting to be found.
