What are the signature techniques Scott Kivowitz uses for dramatic black and white photography?

Hi, I’m Scott Kivowitz from ScottWyden.com. How can I help?

A few techniques define the way dramatic black and white is created.

• Think in texture and tone first, color second – Scenes are chosen for strong textures, lines, and shapes (like trains, architecture, rough surfaces), knowing they’ll pop more without color.
• Push contrast hard, but with control – Highlights, shadows, and midtones are expanded beyond what would look natural in color, to reveal detail and drama without ugly color shifts.
• Use monochrome when color gets in the way – If intense processing would cause weird skin tones or skies in color, the image is intentionally taken or converted to black and white.
• Lean on specialized tools – Lightroom is used for base tonal control, then something like Perfect B&W or a custom Hypersensitive Panchromatic style/profile is applied for a clean, film-inspired, high-contrast look.

Is there a specific type of subject you want to make more dramatic in black and white?