Silverknowes Beach in Black & White

Since I rediscovered photography in the digital age, I have done very little Black & White. But I feel the ability to see the world in tones rather than hues is a skill I should master. It will make me a better photographer.

I therefore decided to start a personal project on Black & White landscape photography. The images below are my first serious attempt.

Silverknowes beach is one of my favourite spots in Edinburgh. At low tide, there are lots of lines, textures and shapes I thought would make for interesting Black & White photographs.

Black & White photograph of Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
Classic view, looking towards Cramond.
Black & White photograph of Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
Zooming in to capture a detail of the landscape.
Black & White photograph of Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
Zooming in even more to create an abstract photo.

The skies in Scotland can be quite dramatic and that is quite an advantage. Nothing is more bland that a pure blue sky in a monochrome picture.

Black & White photograph of Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
I was attracted to this composition by the lines in the foreground and the big clouds in the sky.
Black & White photograph of Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
If you shoot a vertical composition as well as the horizontal, you easily double your production. I felt the need to incorporate the rocks at the bottom right to create some visual tension.

Finally, I had a go at some long exposure seascapes. I’ll definitely be back for more.

Black & White seascape, Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
Classic view of Cramond island from Silverknowes beach.
Black & White seascape, Silverknowes beach, Edinburgh
Notice the implicit line between the rock in the foreground and the bright clouds.
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