A good first step is to get a camera that lets you control aperture and shutter speed manually. Learning those two settings is one of the best ways to understand exposure and how creative choices affect an image.

With a €450 budget, focus less on black-and-white specifically and more on getting a camera you can learn manual control with. Black-and-white can be explored with almost any camera, including your phone, so the key is building technique rather than buying something specialized.

It can also help a lot to take a photography class if one is available. Regular assignments give you a reason to go out and shoot, and reviewing your work with others can help you improve faster. Seeing other people’s photos and discussing them is also a great way to learn composition and develop your eye.

In short: start with a camera that offers manual shutter speed and aperture control, learn the basics of exposure, and shoot often. A class or guided practice can make that process much easier.