Discover the world of monochromatic photography.

Use these tips to take breathtaking monochromatic photos.

Any photo containing tones of just one color is a monochromatic photo. Without the contrast that varied colors provide, monochromatic photography is all about details, textures, and perspectives. Try these tips for shooting brilliant photos that transcend color.

Why use monochrome?

In a world full of color, with technology that can capture it with stunning precision, why would anyone choose to focus on just one? Monochromatic photography may sound counterintuitive, but it’s a choice that produces all sorts of powerful visual effects:

• Abstraction: When you manipulate color, you’re altering reality. This effect changes the way viewers see your subject and allows you to create a different kind of visual experience.
• Simplicity: Monochrome is often used for hyper-detailed images. Without the distraction of varied colors, you can focus on the photo’s other sensory elements.
• Emotion: Colors are closely tied to emotion; the cheer produced by a sunny yellow feels very different from the tranquility created by a deep blue.

How to shoot monochromatic color photography.

These three Cs will help you take monochromatic photos that are so stunning, no one will even miss the color variety:

• Color: Decide what color you want to cast your image in. Are you trying to amplify the bleak feeling of an abandoned factory? Perhaps a gray palette with high contrast will do the trick. Or do you want to explore the juiciness of a fresh bowl of oranges? Well, then, the color you’re after is all in the name.
• Contrast: Editing will make your monochromatic photos pop. Amp up the contrast to draw attention to the varied textures and color gradations at play.
• Crop: A close crop can focus in on subtle details and shifts in lighting and texture, flattening your image and creating abstraction that will keep viewers looking.

Find out more.

Learn more about how to stage a stunning photoshoot, and experiment with edits in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to take your monochromatic photography to new heights.