What makes a good black & white photo?

[Donald]

...I have new enthusiasm to go outside on those gloomy days. Lots of interesting structure, texture, etc. around me.

Perfect weather for B & Ws.

I posted this just a few days ago.

[lukaswerth]

Coming late to this thread, still a few observations:

As others have pointed out, there is not one standard - a print - and I will consider prints, not image files, even though this is what we see on the screen - a print may be of high or low contrast, low-key, high-key, cool- or warm toned. Some say in a print there should be a full range of shades, from pure white to pure black, and some think it is a virtue to get the whitest white and the blackest black - those tend to use glossy paper, as blacks look blacker on them.
Personally, I am more interested in a long and subtle tonal scale, with many midtones, that is, the best possible differentiation of subtle tonal changes, with creamy, shining highlights, no detail blown out, and also details in all shadows. From prints which I like best light often seems to emanate from the highlights. High contrast prints often seem to me to hold only a moment's attention.
I have consciously given a personal assessment, there are many others.
Here is a scanned print I once made, I hope it gives an idea of what I meant:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukaswerth/4573851987/

Lukas

[Photoman61640]

Lukas,

Checked out your web site. Fantastic prints. They give me a whole new perspective about B&W. I am going to try and incorporate both styles in my future endeavors.

I do have one question. I noticed the original photos were on film. Is it possible to duplicate the style using digital SLR camera?

Gordon

[rpcrowe]

Gordon,

Nice to have you participating.

There are some editing programs which have presets directly aimed at reproducing the values of specific films, both black and white and color (such as Tri-x and Plus-x, to name but a couple). I would expect that this is nothing which could not be accomplished using Photoshop or some other editing program but, a basic value for a specific film can be achieved with a single click using the presets. You can then customize the image in any way that you want...

I suggest a Google search with the following parameters: "black and white film presets for digital editing" or just "film presets for digital editing"...

There are other programs which do not mimic specific films but which have excellent monochrome conversion capabilities...

[Shadowman]

First, I was surprised at all the different responses. I appreciate all that were received.
Second, I was referring to the subject matter not equipment. As an ex draftsman teacher, my mind is structured to think in terms of straight lines, boxes, corners, etc. I am trying to force myself to think "outside of the box" when looking at subject to photograph. That's the reason for my question.

In summary, most of you did answer my question. Here in Western Pa. during the winter the scenery is very gloomy except when it snows. Now that I have an idea as to what type of subject makes a good B&W photo, I have new enthusiasm to go outside on those gloomy days. Lots of interesting structure, texture, etc. around me.

Again, thanks to everyone. who responded. I may be older but I still thirst for knowledge.

I think sunny, midday shots are good times to shoot black and white subjects. More work involved controlling exposure but the tones are numerous and rich.