THE POWER OF BLACK AND WHITE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TO CREATE TIMELESS IMAGES
Black and white portrait of male lion Nyekundu
My passion for Black and White wildlife photography
My portfolio includes a diverse range of fine art wildlife prints, from vivid colour photographs to dramatic black-and-white images. It’s true that certain animals and landscapes demand the richness and vibrance of colour, particular the savannah sunsets of Africa and the rich tones of the rosettes on a leopard, however I am increasingly gravitating towards black and white, especially when I am in Amboseli photographing Elephants or in the Serengeti trying to find lions on the Kopjes.
I have been influenced by the stunning black and white imagery of photographers such as Nick Brandt, Sebastian Salgado, Federico Veronesi and in the Fashion world Elliot Erwitt. Black and white wildlife photography offers a timeless way to see. By removing color, it can reveal form, light, texture, and emotion. It can transform an image from documentation into fine art.
In this photo story I want to highlight why I believe Black and White wildlife photography is so powerful, and why I am always excited when I see the elements coming together to make an arresting image in Black and white. When all those elements align, a Black and white portrait as in this image “Rock Prince” can elevate animals beyond their environment into something that resonates as a timeless testament to the Kings of the plains.
Image of young lion on top of kopje in Serengeti- “Rock Prince”
The Power of Removing Color
Color can be a distraction as much as it is a delight. In wildlife photography, it can overwhelm, pulling focus from the animal itself. By stripping color away, the photograph highlights elements often overlooked.
Light and Shadow
Black and white photography thrives on contrasts. The play of light and shadow across fur and feathers becomes striking and sculptural. A lion’s mane pre dawn or in the golden hour may be beautiful in color, but in monochrome, the shifting tones of light can reveal majesty and structure.
Texture and Detail
From the leathery skin of an rhino to the delicate whiskers of a fox, texture comes alive in black and white. Fine details stand out, unencumbered by color variation.
Form and Composition
Without color, the eye is drawn to shape, line, and form. It’s for this reason that one of my favourite subjects to photograph in Black and White are Giraffes. When photographed in high key on a cloudy day their form becomes almost sculptural. There is a beautiful simplicity to such images.
Mood and Emotion
Black and white lends gravity, even solemnity, to wildlife portraits. When I see dramatic lighting and dust I know the potential these elements can add to monochrome.
Light and Shadow- Male lion walks towards the camera
Texture and Detail- Young Rhino walks behind its mother
Two male giraffe about to start necking
Mood and Emotion- Portrait of Black Crested Macaque
Monochrome and Emotional Impact
Human psychology interprets monochrome images as more serious, reflective, and dramatic.
As in all fine art wildlife photography, the eyes matter most. In black and white portraits, the gaze of an animal is even more magnetic, free of the distraction of surrounding hues. This is a subject I wrote about at length in this photo story- Fine Art Wildlife Photography: The Power of Eye Contact in Animal Portraits”. The image below is one I took last week and I was struck by the hypnotic eyes of this young fox.
Portrait of young Fox
Iconic Examples of Black and White Wildlife Portraits
Elephants & Rhinos in Monochrome: Their wrinkled skin and monumental presence become sculptural. Black and white emphasizes scale and gravity.
Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs in monochrome reveal raw power and vulnerability, their eyes glowing against muted tones.
Birds of Prey such as this Buzzard below with its sharp features can feel even more commanding in monochrome.
These iconic subjects show how monochrome transforms animals into archetypes—symbols of strength, grace, wisdom, or fragility.
For more black and white images of Elephants in Africa and African Big Cats check out my collections.
Two lionesses show their strong social bond
Teenage elephant on the move
Buzzard calling for its chick
Technical Considerations in Black and White Wildlife Photography
While the decision to shoot in monochrome is artistic, technical skill is also essential to make an image successful. To help get the best outcome consider the following-
Shoot in RAW
I always capture in RAW format. This gives me maximum flexibility in post-processing, allowing me to adjust tones, shadows, and contrast without losing any detail.
Look for Contrast
Monochrome thrives when there are strong contrasts: light on dark, subject against background, texture against smoothness.
Mind the Background
Simplified compositions with uncluttered backgrounds keep focus on the subject. In black and white, distracting backgrounds can become more noticeable if not managed.
Use Light Creatively
Side-lighting enhances textures; backlighting creates dramatic silhouettes; soft dawn or dusk light brings out subtle tonal gradations.
Post-Processing Matters
Fine art monochrome requires thoughtful editing, and I have benefited hugely by having two incredible mentors helping with my editing- Richard Peters and Federico Veronesi. My editing skills have improved and continue to improve with regular 1:1 sessions with them. Taking an image in the field is one thing, but with the editing tools in Lightroom it can be transformed into something magical. Taking this image “King at First Light” as an example, Federico was able to show me the tools that made an image that I thought had potential into something more soulful. It underlines the importance there is always more to learn in photography!
Portrait of a Lion king at first light
When to Choose Black and White
Not every wildlife image benefits from monochrome, but I know when black and white has the potential to work best under the following conditions
The subject has strong form, texture, or contrast.
The emotional weight of the scene is more important than color detail as in this award winning image “She Who Dares”. Read more about the background to this image in my photo story “Silver in the World Nature Photography Awards”.
Light conditions are challenging (harsh midday or low light often translate better in monochrome).
The story aims for timelessness rather than naturalism.
She Who Dares- a female agama lizard searches for flies on the sleeping lion’s nose
Monochrome as Essence
Black and white wildlife photography is not the absence of color, it has something more powerful as it can distill an elephant, lion or polar bears to their most essential qualities. I look at a Nick Brandt or Salgado image and I can see emotion and soul.
Some of images on my wall from other photographers and some of my best images, whether of elephants, lions or rhinos prove that sometimes the truest way to see the natural world is not in color, but in shades of light and shadow.
In these images there is connection, and timeless beauty. Something I am constantly searching for in my photography.
Three elephants connect using their trunks- another award winning image in World Nature Photography Awards
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this blog. If you like what you read come back next week when I’ll be looking at one of my favourites styles of wildlife photography- the power of environment in wildlife photography.
If you are interested in knowing more let me know your questions via this link or connect with me on Instagram . Many of these images are available to buy via my Print Shop so do take a look and also find out more of their back story.
Thank you for your time.
Jules
