Gone are the days when black and white photography was termed as ancient or redundant; this beautiful art is fast returning as a trendy way to shoot. Now, people are experimenting more and more with the film. The best way to bring out different results in black and white film is through the use of various filters. Before understanding various filters we need to first understand how black and white film works. Our naked eyes can distinguish all colours, but black and white film records only records the colours in grey. By using different coloured filters, you can increase the contrast in your frame by darkening the tone of certain colours.

Green and red filters record the same tone of grey. For instance, if you use a green filter, such as the Cokin P 004, for a black and white film, then the green colour in the frame will be recorded lighter, and red will be recorded darker. This is known as the law of transmission and absorption.

A yellow filter in a black and white film increases the contrast and records as seen by the naked eye. Orange filters, on the other hand, increase the contrast further to give a dramatic look. In black and white films, if you use a red filter while shooting, it will give you a three dimensional dramatic look. Without a filter the frame looks dull. When a yellow filter is being used the contrast increases a bit and more details of the picture subject become visible. When the red filter is used, the contrast further increases if green objects, such as grass or trees, are present in the photo. The end result is an interesting three dimensional look.