High Contrast Black & White

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Photos & Content in this gallery © Barri Olson.  More: Barri Olson

Introduction by Dang

Of the many online friends I've made, Barri Olson has been the most influential to date. Over the years we have discussed cameras, lenses, processing and programs sending hundreds of emails back and forth. His photography styles are varied, and his willingness to share knowledge made my transition from film to digital faster, and much easier.

Years ago, extreme high contrast photos required using special films such as Kodak 5069 (PDF), or other specialty films. Over time many were discontinued, with later versions such as Eastman Technical Pan 2415 Film requiring different processing for photomicrography, which was my first encounter with such film. Later experimenting led to using high contrast for portraiture, landscape and still life. Barri's photos are done digitally with remarkably simular results, and I appreciate him sharing his techniques here.  Many thanks to Barri, I think you'll enjoy his article below, along with browsing his work on Pbase as much as I do...

High Contrast Black & White, by Barri Olson:

By accident I left my old Olympus C3000z in the whiteboard setting (for copying text, some say) and found the results to be quite interesting. The pictures produced were somewhat analogous to pen and ink drawings, being line and form without smooth mid tones. The photos were not quite the same effect as "Lith" film photos, but still extreme high contrast pictures came forth. The more the settings for exposure were changed , and even slight ways in which the camera was tipped or turned, while observing the rear LCD, the more effective the technique became. I became fascinated. Sometimes it looks like a very old book when engraved plates were used, rather than offset printing, and other times the process would give a look like no other.

Since the digital camera being used was over 5 years old, there was concern about it's life expectancy. Most of the earlier C-Series Olympus cameras will do this, probably through the C-5060 (Check first). I know the C-8080 will not, since I have one. Some other cameras have a 'text' or whiteboard mode also. To me using a camera is the most fun, since you never quite know what you have until you upload your photos to computer. Another reason is my dislike of processing.

An alternative is using the 'Threshold' command in your image editor. I use Photoshop CS, but some of the other editing programs also have this function. Combined with the 'Lasso' tool, the degree of contrast in areas of the photos can be controlled more easily than "in camera."

The first thing is to give it a trial run under the 'Threshold' command. Sometimes someones nose might be completely obliterated, etc. If the picture looks strange, use the "Lasso' tool and do the problem areas first, then remembering the settings you liked at first, change to "invert selection" under the right click and apply. After 2 or 3 photos you'll get the hang of it. The best results are obtained from photos that have good contrast to begin, with well defined detail such as brick buildings. People usually come out pretty well too, but require strong as opposed to flat lighting.

In my opinion, this technique builds the ability to compose seeing the crux of the matter. There are few distractions to line, form and subject... and most of all is the fun. So good luck and give it a try. It will give you a different photographic perspective on subjects.

Barri Olson  Recent Photo RSS

*Editors Note: Olympus digital cameras verified to have "Whiteboard and Blackboard" settings:

C-750, C-3000z, C-4000z, C-5050, C-5060

Information updated as available. Olympus USA no longer answers customer questions.

Reviews & purchasing information on Used Olympus C Series Cameras.

Additional information concerning out of production Olympus C Series cameras, including downloadable manuals, and updates.

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