COLOUR FILTERS FOR B&W

It may sound like a contradiction, but they can be surprisingly useful and effective

Black and white photographers used to use coloured filters on their lens to change the way certain colours recorded as grey tones, and also to increase contrast. These effects are still relevant to digital black and white, but instead of actually using a filter, you apply the effect in-camera – there will be an option in your camera’s monochrome setting – or during post-production. They’re worth experimenting with as the difference made can be significant.

RED FILTER – lightens reds, oranges and yellows, darkens greens and blues and increases contrast. The most dramatic colour for black and white photography.

ORANGE – similar effect to red but not as pronounced.

YELLOW – lightens warm colours, darkens cool colours and a slight contrast increase.

GREEN – lightens greens and blues, darkens reds and other warm colours.

BLUE – lightens blues and greens, darkens reds primarily plus other warm colours.

AboveLAS VEGAS, USA The left half of this image had a blue filter effect added and the right half a red filter effect. The difference in the tone of the sky is massive