There's something special when it comes to black and white photography. It's timeless, classic, and can help you create a stronger image when you process your photos! Here are three tips I've found that has helped me determine when to process photos in black and white.

1. Color is a distraction to your story.

If you find there are too many colors around your subject AND there is a lot of action going on in your photo, try processing your photo in black and white. I think color can be a wonderful and powerful element, but sometimes it can detract your viewer from the story you're trying to tell. Ask yourself: will removing color strengthen or weaken my visual narrative? Will it add or take away from the story?

In the photo below, I wanted to emphasize the moment when the mother of the bride was helping her daughter get into her wedding dress. I found the colors of the wall and floor to be distracting (we were getting ready in a classroom at church). Changing the photo to black and white made the photo more refined and clearly puts the focus on the subject: the bride and mom.

2. You want to emphasize an emotion or expression.

Sometimes there's a cute expression or emotion that is happening in your photo, and again, you want to focus on that! Expressions, gestures, and emotions are all things that help make a photo interesting and meaningful (especially when it comes to family portraits).

In the photo below, I would use the color photo in a family album or slideshow because it would look consistent with the other images I took from the session. However, if I was framing this photo or presenting it by itself, I would choose the black and white photo. I really want to highlight the baby and his cute yawn!

3. You want to highlight interesting light, shape, or pattern.

You can apply this tip to so many genres of photography! Whether you are shooting portrait or travel photos, look for patterns or interesting light and shapes. If you're looking to go the extra mile, change your camera settings to black and white then shoot! It totally changes the way you see everything, and helps you become a master of light and composition.

In the photo below, my husband and I were on a boat tour in Chicago. As we were approaching the city, I saw the beautiful skyline and wanted to capture its grandness! I also wanted to capture the silhouette of the guests on the boat, and love how the contrast is emphasized in the black and white photo. Also, the shapes of the building stand out better, and if you look closely, the building at the center is the Willis Tower.

Now go out and experiment with black and white! Remember, ask yourself if using black and white will help strengthen or weaken the story you are trying to tell.

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If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact me here.

Do you love photographing your kids, but you want to make your photos more compelling, organic, and meaningful? Do you want to tell a better story with your photos? Parents often ask me how to take better photos of their kids, and I've put together three EASY tips for you so you can capture beautiful photos of your children! Whether you have a smartphone or DSLR, these principals can be applied to any camera.

1. Use window lighting.

Often times parents photograph their children indoors, and the best place to capture photos is next to a window during the daytime. Window light is an easy way to get diffused light, which helps create a soft and flattering look. To create depth and dimension to your photo, have your children turn their bodies about 45 to 90 degrees away from the window, so the light hits them on the side of their face.

2. Photograph at their eye-level.

A really easy thing to do is simply get down at their eye-level. Instead of standing and pointing your camera down, I encourage you to get on your knees to take the photo! Most of the time I'm on my knees, crawling around with them because it gives me a better view of their faces and what they're doing. It truly tells a better story!

3. Let them move.

Instead of telling your child to sit still and say cheese, let them move! Honestly, I've found the best way to capture authentic moments is when kids are having FUN. Be silly with them, and ask them to do things that will naturally get them to giggle. I often ask children to run towards me, or ask them to dance or tickle each other. If you're finding yourself getting grainy or blurry photos, move the fun to a location with more light.

Another tip: if there's an older sibling, I would often ask the older sibling to hug their younger sibling or to lead them by the hand. Why? Because these simple gestures build connection in your visual narrative.

Enjoy putting these new skills into practice!

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If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact me here.

I'm so excited to share with ya'll these adorable photos of the Jimenez family!! Our friend Cylie (pronounced as kai-lee in case you're wondering!) was one of the first people we met at church, and was so warm and welcoming! I was honored when she asked me to document family photos of them in their beautiful new home.

Most of the images were captured in the bedroom, and the lighting was perfect! Baby Elliana was amazing and kept curiously looking at my camera when we started - it was so cute! Her big brother Eliasyn was super sweet and silly, and has such a charming little smile!! Take a look yourself :)

What made everything more special was the connection they had with each other - I believe that is what makes a photo beautiful and meaningful. As a family photographer, I'm always thinking how to highlight your story as a family. I love documenting the connection and emotion, and every smile and every giggle is beautiful and worth capturing. Documenting these fleeting moments are worth everything. Enjoy!

G. Lin Photography is a premier Raleigh family photographer serving the greater Triangle area. We specialize in creating timeless family portraits that feel natural and genuine, and preserving your photos with heirloom quality products.

If you're looking to book a Durham family photographer or Raleigh family photographer, please contact Genevieve here.