High Contrast Black and White Preset for Nothing Phone 3a + Street Photography Test
Street photography in Hong Kong
Street photography in Hong Kong
Street photography in Hong Kong
Mobile photography continues to surprise me. With the Nothing Phone 3a, I’ve been experimenting with a high contrast black and white preset tailored specifically to this phone’s post-processing style—and took it for a casual street photography test in Hong Kong.
Why Build a Custom B&W Preset?
Most built-in black-and-white filters on smartphones feel bland or too soft. The 3a’s images often have that AI-polished look, which isn't ideal when you're going for the gritty, raw feel of true street photography. So I made my own mobile preset that gives me:
Strong black point for depth
Crisp whites to make subjects pop
Extra midtone contrast for structure
Quick Test Around Hong Kong Streets
I walked through Sheung Wan and Central to try it out. Bright light, textured walls, glass reflections—it was a good playground. The Nothing Phone 3a handled it well, especially with the custom preset toning down its default HDR processing. Shadows felt richer, highlights had punch, and the grain gave images that familiar analog vibe.
It’s a quick, creative tool that fits in your pocket. Not perfect, but it lets you stay in the moment and shoot fast.
Free download Nothing Phone High Contrast Black and White Preset
Still Waiting for the GR IV...
That said, I’m still waiting for the Ricoh GR IV. My GR has been a daily companion, and I’m excited to see how the new one performs. It’s hard to beat a real camera when it comes to subtle tonal range and responsiveness. The Nothing Phone 3a is fun for testing ideas, but the GR is where serious street photography starts—no compromises, just photography.
