Using the latest technology to shoot black and white might seem like a conflict of interest but in reality, cutting your images down to the tonal quality of monochrome is a great way to draw out your creativity.
In the past, photographers were able to look at a scene and able to translate the colours into tones. Understanding what would and what would not work. Black and white imagery is fascinating, and once you master the understanding of tone, then those skills translate directly to colour.
Smartphones have always had the ability to delve into the world of black and white, enabling photographers to experiment with the dramatic way monochrome can be used — the Huawei P30 Pro packs in cutting edge technology including a fantastic black and white mode.
- Huawei P30 Pro vs P20 Pro Camera: What are the key differences?
- Huawei P30 Pro Camera vs Mate 20 Pro Camera: what are the key differences?
- Read our Huawei P30 Pro review
To access this mode, all you need to do is scroll to the More options.
How to shoot black and White and the Huawei P30 Pro
- Open up the camera App
- Start by swiping left to More and then select Monochrome
- You then have four options; Normal, Aperture, Portrait and Pro
- Select the mode you want and now you’re ready to shoot
The Huawei P30 Pro has four monochrome modes, and each has a very different use and result. Let’s take a look at what they are.
Huawei P30 Pro Monochrome Normal
Utilising the 40MP sensor the ‘Normal’ monochromatic mode enables you to shoot straight black and white images utilising the full resolution of the P30 Pro.
As with shooting colour images a quick tap on the screen enables you to select the focal point. Another tap and swipe up or down will increase or decrease the exposure.
Huawei P30 Pro Monochrome Aperture
The monochromatic Aperture mode gives you the same options as the colour ‘Aperture’ mode of the Huawei P30 Pro.
Tap to focus and then hit the shutter to take the shot. After it’s been captured, you can then revisit the focus by opening the image and using the slider at the bottom of the screen to increase or decrease the depth of field.
What’s clever is the ability to adjust the point of focus after the image has been taking. Utilising this mode uses the 10MP sensor and gives you the option for 1, 2 and 3 x zoom.
Huawei P30 Pro Monochrome Portrait
Two additional features that become accessible with the Portrait mode selected reflect those in the colour Portrait mode.
The first is the Beauty filter, this brightens and smooths skin, giving the subject of your images a complimentary glow.
The second option enables the full power of background blur through Bokeh. This option creates a beautiful artistic background blur.
As with the Aperture mode the 10MP sensor is used and gives you options for 1, 2 and 3 x zoom.
Huawei P30 Pro Monochrome Pro
The final option is for Pro’s only and gives you access to the full works of adjustment.
Utilising the 40MP sensor, you get control over the sensitivity, shutter speed, exposure compensation and the AF Type.
This is a great option if you want to work on your images in another application.