So don't set out and try to shoot a high contrast shot unless you find a good opportunity with the right lighting. Try shooting on an overcast day. It will soften the whites and blacks and result in a B&W image with more depth and gradient between the light and shadows.

The natural contrasts that come with black and white photography really bring into focus the texture of certain surfaces such as skin, fur, dirt, metal, wood, etc. in a way that color photography simply doesn't.

Black and white film can also capture details in highlights and shadows that might be lost in colour photography, resulting in more subtle and nuanced images. Another advantage of shooting with black and white film is that it allows you to focus on composition and subject matter without the distractions of colour.