When shooting black and white photography using natural light, you should let the situation dictate the look and feel of the photo. 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.

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.

By focusing an image of light and dark elements, you get light and dark sections recorded on the film. You choose the black and white film you want based upon the ISO required by your lighting conditions. Load film into your camera. Using the cameras light meter, take photos of your favorite subjects.