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Black-and-white photography is the creation of monochrome images using photographic techniques. Through the use of either a traditional film camera or digital camera, the artist exposes an image media, such as film or a digital image sensor, to light. The light then affects the image media in such a way as to leave a permanent imprint of the scene on that media. This media is then processed to create a final image or photograph.

What Is Black & White Photography?
Black-and-white photography, also called monochrome, is the culmination of several other discoveries and inventions. The resulting image is limited to monochromatic hues, although filters may be applied to give a hue or tint. Different photographic processes and toners may also give a different hue to a black-and-white photograph; for example, selenium-based toners give a reddish-brown hue, while sepia toners give an oxidized, brown hue. These chemicals combine with the colloidal silver in the exposed photograph differently, creating different chemical reactions and producing different results.
Early Photography
Black-and-white photography is truly the root of the photographic process, and modern imaging has evolved from the early explorations into monochrome imaging. Nicéphore Niépce produced the first permanent black-and-white photograph in 1826 at his estate in France, using a modified camera obscura and a plate coated with a bitumen mixture sensitive to light. This first image took hours to expose; however, it was the birth of modern photography. Further discoveries, such as the colloidal wet-plate process developed by Frederick Scott Archer, cut down exposure times and moved black-and-white photography from being a scientific process toward becoming an accessible popular art form.
Developments in Black & White Photography
From Niépce's first landscape image and Archer's colloidal wet-plate process, black-and-white photography still had evolving to do before becoming the modern art form it is today. The colloidal wet-plate process did cut down exposure times but was unwieldy and long, requiring the photographer to develop images instantly. The photographer could not be far from his darkroom, severely limiting applications for this new art. In 1883, George Eastman introduced photographic film in rolls, and in 1888, Eastman Kodak released the first consumer camera, making the art of photography accessible to anyone.
Development Processes
Early black-and-white photography processes depended upon creating an image directly on the display media. This changed with Kodak's introduction of roll film, and the process of creating an image now did not necessitate having a darkroom to hand; however, it did require that the film be developed and the image transferred to a specially treated paper. The process of developing film was then born--the exposed film is washed in a developer, which acts upon the silver halide crystals. Crystals that have not been exposed to light are washed away, while crystals that have been exposed to light are darkened. This creates a negative, or inverted, image on the film, which must then must be converted in the darkroom to a photograph.
Modern Black & White Photography
Modern black-and-white photography can be either film-based or digital. The process remains the same in that the film or digital sensor is exposed to light through a lens, and then the resulting image is processed either in a darkroom or by computer to create the final black-and-white image. Despite advances into digital photography, many artists continue to use and prefer traditional film processes. The advantage to digital photography is that the process is chemical free; however, film still has a greater dynamic capture range than a digital photography sensor, allowing more minute control over the finished print.


Read more: Definition of Black & White Photography | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5084625_definition-black-white-photography.html#ixzz15uxrJ6mj

Today, if black and white photographs are brought before you, you will most probably be tempted to ask, “Why black and white when I can get color?” Believe it or not, black and white photography gains an extra edge over color photography when you do not have a perfect shooting condition. What’s more, you will find your ordinary color photo earn compliments when taken in black and white.

If photography is your passion, then you must know that good photography has the beauty and the ability to stop the pace of time and black and white photographs boast about both these features.

When to opt for black and white photography?
You might be confused regarding when to select black and white photography. Here are some tips:

If you are shooting outside on cloudy days, then black and white photography will be the best option. Lack of proper lighting, may make your color photos appear to be dull, but if it is black and white the prints will still appear to be fabulous. An experienced photographer will prefer black and white shooting on a dull day.

If you want a close-up shot of yourself to be taken and do not want your friends to spot your blemishes, then go all black and white. Yes, black and white photography conceals your blemishes in a close-up shot. Moreover, black and white photographs do away with the striking difference that shows between the bright face and the gloomy background.

Black and white photographs are known for their classic appeal and bring forth the romanticism in occasions like weddings.

Some facts about black and white photography
First and foremost, you must know that there are no different set of principles for color photography and black and white photography. Black and white photography can be as easy as color photography.

If you are using a black and white film, keep in mind that the shapes and lines in your frame can be distinctly visible in the picture. Your next concern, should be to look at the color tones. If you want your picture to look perfect, then you have to acquire the skill of contrasting light areas with darker areas.

Start practicing with a few black and white rolls of film to gain the experience regarding black and white photography.

Black and white photography vs. color photography
A photographer knows that the efficiency through which a black and white photograph can bring forth dark emotions like loss and depression cannot be compared to color photographs. However, when it comes to passionate emotions, like enthusiasm and joy, opting for color photography will be the best option.

The advanced photographer knows how to incorporate color as well as black and white photography for creating a scene. The picture is rendered a sophisticated look by highlighting the elements of joy in color and the negative elements in black and white.

Though color photography is much in demand for shooting landscapes. Shots of landscape or any other images in black and white usually appear to be fine works of art.

The usage of filter is vital for both color as well as black and white photography. A good photographer will advise you to use the polarizing filter in black and white photography. This helps the sky to be visible and reduces the harshness of the sun rays.

Unlike a color film, a black and white film still lets you capture detail when you underexpose at two stops. When you overexpose, the range is greater, allowing between five and seven stops. This is the film latitude, which accepts your errors.
If you want meaningful and personal images, go for the black and white photography.

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