A deep dive into the language of black and white photography — tones, contrast, texture, light, layers and depth. Not about converting colour images, not about post processing. About learning to see in black and white before you ever press the shutter.

Black and white photographers whose work I admire and return to — Edwin Smith, James Ravilious, Fay Godwin, Don McCullin, Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, Adrian Vila and Christine Wilson — and why I make a point of not looking at them too closely before picking up my own camera.

I’ve spent years refining what I carry on a photography walk, slowly stripping things back until the gear stopped dictating the experience. This post isn’t about the latest cameras or must-have accessories, but about finding a setup that allows walking and photography to coexist naturally. From my Sony A350 on general photowalks to the more deliberate Sony A700 for book and print work, this is a reflection on simplicity, comfort, and learning to carry only what genuinely earns its place.

Why I choose to shoot black-and-white JPEGs straight out of camera — minimal editing, a simple approach focused on how each scene feels and unfolds.