There’s something about a landscape scene in black and white that can be so satisfying. Sometimes it can seem to stop time even more, giving a certain stillness to the image that color might not convey. Sometimes it can give the scene a calm, serene style that offers a simplicity we don’t see with our own eyes. And sometimes the contrast in a black and white photo can often reveal more than if it were in complete color. Below we feature a group of photographers who have mastered the art of the black and white landscape. See their beautiful imagery below and follow their accounts for more. Share your own photos on Instagram with #SonyAlpha and make sure you follow @sonyalpha for more inspiration!
Sometimes the transformation of a scene into a black and white photo is just…*chef’s kiss.* See how these photographers master the art of the b&w landscape.
Mahesh Thapa – @starvingphotographer
Mahesh Thapa is a Seattle-based photographer, educator, content creator and Alpha Collective member. His main photographic interests include landscapes and nature, and he has a real skill for composing the perfect scene. He created this beautifully contrasting image with his Sony Alpha 7R V and Sony 24-105mm f/4 G lens. Follow his account for more serene nature scenes in your Instagram feed.
Thibault Roland – @thibaultrolandphoto
Sony Artisan Thibault Roland likes to explore different landscapes, capturing images of vibrant scenes and often stripping their colors so the viewer is forced to focus solely on the details and textures of the landscape. He took this stunning image with his Sony Alpha 7R V in the San Francisco Bay area featuring these intriguing poles with Alcatraz and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in the distance. Read more about how he does it in Roland’s Camera Setup Tips For Long Exposure Black & White Photography.
Andy Katz – @andykatzphotography
Sony Artisan Andy Katz has traveled the globe taking photographs of a broad range of subjects. He’s also the author of many coffee table books, with plans later this year to release one for his National Park Project that will include the incredible black and white scene below. He’s logged over 60,000 miles traveling to all of the National Parks in pursuit of iconic imagery and you can see more of them here. Follow his account to keep up with his newest projects.
Peter McBride – @pedromcbride
Sony Artisan Peter McBride is a contributing photographer and filmmaker for National Geographic. He travels all over to tell a wide range of stories, often pushing the limits to get unique imagery. He took these stunning black and white photos during his 800 mile walk through the Grand Canyon that became a film called Into The Grand Canyon. Follow his account to see where his work takes him next.
Ashley Noel – @nyroamer
Street and travel photographer Ashley Noel is always out walking around with her camera, and it’s why the Alpha Collective member was able to capture this Central Park scene in winter that we love. There’s just something about it that, even with people in the scene, finds a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city streets. Follow her account for more scenes from various cities and read more about the gear she uses in What’s In My Bag: A Simple Sony Kit For A Street Photographer With Wanderlust.
Scott Kranz – @scott_kranz
Alpha Collective member Scott Kranz is a professional photographer, filmmaker and educator who specializes in outdoor adventure, lifestyle, landscape and travel content. He posted this beautiful collection of black and white images with the inspiring caption, “Let’s all pretend B&W still images are trending so hot right now. In all seriousness, take this - my first post of the year - just as a note to self (or a friendly suggestion to you) to follow your heart, your path, and your art in the direction that’s true to you, irrespective of algorithms, comparison, trends, etc. I am looking forward to 2023 for so many reasons, not the least of which is growing as an artist, photographer, and business owner, and I’m wishing you similar excitement along your journey.” We agree! Get more advice from Kranz in his 6 Pro Tips For Adventure Travel Photography.
Ben Lowy – @benlowy
Sony Artisan Ben Lowy has covered major stories worldwide, including everything from conflict and politics to sports and underwater wildlife. He took this collection of images, many of which are black and white, during a road trip to get his creative juices flowing. Follow his account for more documentary content that you’re always sure to learn something from.
Frazer Leal – @frazerlealphotography
Nature photographer and photo guide Frazer Leal lives and breathes photography. He spends hours in the field waiting to capture a perfect moment in nature, which he says is fully worth it when he’s rewarded with a memorable image. He created this beautiful black and white landscape at Nambung National Park in Australia with his Sony Alpha 1 and Sony 14mm f/1.8 G Master. Learn more about the gear he uses in What’s In My Bag: A Versatile Four Zoom Kit For Nature Photography.