Black and white photography is revered by many for its ability to bring attention to outstanding composition. Without the distraction of color, we are compelled to focus on the play on light and shadow, leading lines, contrast, textures, and of course, the subject matter at hand. But for British-born, Nashville, TN-based photographer Tony Shepherd, the simplicity, timelessness, and gravitas of the medium are also effective in showcasing the beauty in everyday things.

In his own words, Tony Shepherd’s work is focused on finding and “highlighting the dignity in the ordinary.” His style, he added, is an example of how photographers can be anywhere and still find great subjects to capture. “You don’t have to be in a big city or in front of an amazing mountain to find a worthy subject to shoot. This has inspired many photographers to shoot anywhere they may be.”

At a time when most of the world is preoccupied with the next new or interesting thing to capture and share on social media, Shepherd turns his attention to something else. “I work to notice a cigarette in a hand, a lone bottle left on a window pane or a lock hanging from a fence,” he noted, emphasizing his dedication to the art of noticing. “I try to slow down and focus on everyday things that everyday people recognize.”

Are you interested in using black and white for street photography, slice of life, or documentary photography? We invite you to check out our full interview with Tony Shepherd below for inspiration and ideas.

Editor’s Note: This post is sponsored by Tamron.

Can you tell us something about yourself and what you do?

I’m Tony Shepherd, a cosmopolitan British-born photographer who grew up in Florida with the cultural influence of a Bronx-born father and a Jamaican-born mother. I now live in Nashville, Tennessee, where I enjoy hot chicken and sweet tea.

I primarily shoot street photography, artfully capturing the beauty of the mundane in black and white. Also, I’m a Tamron Pro building a network of photographers in Nashville to encourage creativity, connectivity, and collaboration.

How did your photography adventure begin? How did you discover the kind of work that you now do?

My photography adventure began in the 90’s, experimenting with a Kodak film camera that one of my uncles gave me as a gift. That camera became the gateway into the art of noticing the world around me. After a few years away from photography, I again picked up the craft in the early to mid-2000s using my Blackberry phone, an iPhone and eventually, a point-and-shoot Sony camera. These all whet my appetite for photography and allowed me to explore, but it wasn’t until the 2020s that I got serious about photography.

After the pandemic, mobile photography began to interest me, and I quickly found that black and white photography resonated with my style of shooting. Eventually, I picked up a Sony camera and began taking it with me everywhere I went. The more I shot, the more I developed the niche my followers know me for today.

What do you consider to be the most important aspect or characteristic of your visual language?

The most important aspect of my visual language is that it highlights the dignity of the ordinary. The world around us is amazing, and some of the greatest things are in small packages. My art often gives the so-called “little things” around us a platform to be seen and appreciated.

What are the biggest challenges of your chosen photography genre? How did they shape your photography style?

My style of photography often focuses more on a single subject as opposed to a scene. The biggest challenge with that approach is that it may de-emphasize the importance of the location. Taking a picture of a bike chain in New York City looks no different than a picture of a bike chain in middle-of-nowhere Alabama.

In traditional landscape photography or street photography, your context is a part of what attracts people to your work. However, I have used this challenge as a way to inspire photographers. My style of photography is an example of how you can be anywhere and still find great content. You don’t have to be in a big city or in front of an amazing mountain to find a worthy subject to shoot. This has inspired many photographers to shoot anywhere they may be.

Can you tell us about your most memorable photo/project/assignment? What made it special?

My favorite photo is a picture of a dragonfly sitting on barbed wire outside of a cave in the Smokey Mountains. What makes the image so special to me is that I was only interested in the barbed wire fence at first. As I began to focus on the barbed wire, the dragonfly entered my frame to the left. I readjusted my shot and she stood there on the barbed wire, almost as if she were posing for a photo. It’s a moment I will never forget.

What makes black and white photography special to you? How did it become your genre of choice?

From a technical standpoint, shooting in black and white helps me to focus on the light and composition. It’s easier to see where the light is, and what it’s doing to the scene when looking through the “lens” of monochrome. From a creative perspective, I enjoy shooting in black and white because it powerfully draws our attention to the essence of the subject or scene.

Every photographer looks for ways to remove distractions (even good things) from a photo to highlight the main point. So, I find that a black-and-white image helps direct the focus of the viewer so that the photographer’s vision is more easily understood. While I enjoy great color photos, I personally have come to appreciate the simplicity, timelessness, and gravitas that a good black and white photo conveys. It is my favorite way to experience photography.

Can you share with us a little about your creative process? How has it evolved throughout your career?

My creative process involves doing lots of photo walks (mainly alone), where I practice the art of noticing. I look for things that are interesting to me but others, even other photographers, may easily overlook.

For example, when walking down a busy city street, any bystander could notice the cars and people. A trained photographer may notice a particular car or person that stands out in the crowd. I work to notice a cigarette in a hand, a lone bottle left on a window pane or a lock hanging from a fence. I try to slow down and focus on everyday things that everyday people recognize.

Ultimately, I want non-photographers to resonate with the image and feel “at home.” I also want to inspire photographers to shoot whatever they see, even if they find themselves in a particularly picturesque environment.

How do Tamron lenses help you achieve your creative vision?

Tamron lenses are my go-to lenses. From a technical standpoint, Tamron produces great lenses at a price point without compromising build quality or performance. I shoot with a Sony A7RIII and regularly use the 35-150mm (my personal favorite), the 17-50mm (a great lens to bring if you plan to capture landscape), the 28-75mm, and 50-400mm (amazingly versatile for street photography). Everything from close minimum focusing distances, to unique focal lengths, I have everything I need to capture any kind of shot in any kind of setting. I developed my classic style of photography with a single subject highlighted on a bokeh-rich background using the Tamron range of lenses. I’m a fan.

Lastly, what would you advise those who want to explore black and white photography? What are some dos and don’ts?

Exploring black and white photography begins by simply enjoying it. Find a few photographers whose black-and-white material inspires you. As you shoot, use their work as a reference and learn to develop your own tone palette. Some photographers enjoy more grey tones, and others prefer more black tones. Find what inspires you, and don’t be afraid to take creative risks. Most of all, enjoy the process!

Don’t forget to check out Tony Shepherd’s website and follow him on Instagram to see more of his black and white photography.

All photos by Tony Shepherd. Used with permission.