Black-and-white photography is all about how light and tones come together to create a scene. Since film doesn’t record color, you’ve got to think ahead about how the colors in your shot will translate to shades of gray. That’s where black-and-white filters shine—they let you shape your images by controlling how different colors of light hit your film.
If you’re curious about how filters like red, yellow, orange, and green work their magic, or why you’d even want to use one, stick around! We’ll break it down and show you the top three reasons to add a filter to your bag.
How Do B&W Filters Work?
In black-and-white photography, filters control which colors of light make it to your film. Each filter lets its own color pass through while blocking others. This changes how different parts of your scene show up as shades of gray.
For example, a red filter will let red tones stay bright but block blue and green light. That’s why skies look so intense when you use one—blue skies go dark, and white clouds pop. Check out the image below and see which of these filters renders the scene best to you! I prefer the drama of the red filter, which do you prefer?
credit: https://hoyafilterusa.com/
Top 3 Reasons to Use B&W Filters
1. Add Drama to Skies
Let’s face it: flat skies can kill an otherwise awesome shot. Filters can change that by boosting the contrast between the sky and the clouds.
- Red Filters: Want a super dramatic look? A red filter will darken blue skies to almost black, making clouds really stand out. Think moody, high-contrast landscapes.
- Orange Filters: These are like the red filter’s chill cousin. They darken skies too, but in a softer way that feels more natural. Perfect for everyday outdoor shots.
- Yellow Filters: Your go-to for subtle sky enhancement. Yellow filters give just a touch of extra contrast, making skies a little darker and clouds more defined.
2. Highlight Textures
If you’re into landscapes, architecture, or close-ups of natural textures, filters can make those details pop.
- Green Filters: These work wonders for foliage. They lighten greens like leaves and grass, making textures stand out while adding a nice separation between different shades.
- Orange & Yellow Filters: Both are great for stone, wood, or other earthy textures. They add depth without overdoing it.
3. Separate Tones for Better Contrast
A big part of black-and-white photography is making sure elements in your scene don’t blend into one big gray mess. Filters help with that.
- Red Filters: These give you the most dramatic contrast, making warm colors like reds and oranges jump out against cooler tones.
- Green Filters: Great for portraits! They brighten skin tones a little and soften blemishes, giving people a natural, flattering look.
- Yellow & Orange Filters: These are awesome for balancing the tones in your shot. They don’t go overboard but still help keep everything clear and distinct.
Quick Tips for Using B&W Filters
- Match the Filter to the Scene: Think about what you want to emphasize. Big sky? Go for red or orange. Foliage? Green is your friend.
- Adjust Your Exposure: Filters block some light, so remember to compensate. Yellow usually needs +1 stop, orange +1 to +1.5 stops, and red or green around +2 to +3 stops. You do not want to underexpose your film with a filter, so be extra careful that you’re allowing enough light into the camera by opening that aperture or slowing down the shutter speed.
- Play Around: Filters can totally change the mood of your shot, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try shooting the same scene with different filters to see how they affect the look.
Filters are a simple way to take your black-and-white photography up a notch. They help you control contrast, bring out textures, and create that perfect tonal balance. Plus, they’re just fun to use!
So grab a red, yellow, orange, or green filter and see how they transform your film photography!
