Top 10 Photo Skills #6: Black & White

Displaying images in Black and White really brings out the contrast in images. Through Black and White you can highlight tone, sharpness, emotions and comparisons in your subject matter.

Many people have taken B&W images of people, Ansel Adams inspired me through his photographs of Yosemite and you can really see the dramatic aspect of disaplying images in B&W.

The key for B&W images is light. How does it effect the shapes, angles and textures.

I would recommend shooting in colour if using a digital camera and then converting back on the computer.

• Opera House, Sydney
  Taken from the Harbour Bridge with a tele-photo lens the light cuts terrific sharp edges to the sails. The light also shows off the tile pattern adding texture to the image.
  
  
• Observatory Hill, Sydney
  Looking away from the Harbour Bridge the grand trees silhouette well against the afternoon sky.
  
  
• Circular Quay, Sydney
  The buskers around Circular Quay are an everyday occurrence. The light hit the musicians face just as he looked up into the sky
  
  

Top 10 Photo Skills #5: Be prepared

When on the road shooting travel photos you really do never know when a fantastic image may present itself. Look around, wander the back streets and take an inquisitive eye to every aspect of your travels. Not only does this help you to notice the intricate aspects of a new place but also can present some of the most memorable photos.

• Ushuaia - Chile
  This photo was totally unexpected but I saw the sea gull coming across the view finder and with a large bit of luck I snapped this great moment. I only took the one frame!

• Lencois, Brazil
  Sitting on a bus waiting to leave for yet another 20 hour South American bus ride I was reviewing my photos when this girl sat up and looked over the seat. A split second move with great results.
  

Top 10 Photo Skills #4: Reflections

Looking down is sometimes the best way of looking up!

Look down into a puddle and see if you can capture an interesting twist, walk around the puddle. Stand up straight, kneel down and look for all of the angles to capture the best photo.

Another great tool to have here is a polarizing lens that screws on the end of almost any SLR camera, the swiveling lenses provide different reflective instances. This should be standard in any camera kit.

• El Captain, Yosemite NP USA
  This is taken into the Merced River looking across to El Captain
  
  
• Luna Park, Sydney, Australia
  I noticed this interesting view after a summers rainfall in Sydney. The face of Luna Park is a Sydney icon.