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.

The function that corrects these color issues is the digital camera's "white balance." Essentially, white balance adjusts images to make white subjects look white in the final product. By making good use of white balance, you'll be able to manipulate the tone of your pictures at will.

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.