Everything is new again and such is the case with black and white photography. A few short decades ago black and white photos were considered old and unpopular, but in recent years the power of classic black and white stills has returned and now many avid photographers are embracing the purity of these beautiful photographs.
But before you run to the store to purchase black and white film or click on every digital image to mute its color there are some factors you should consider:
SUBJECT
It’s important to choose your subjects carefully when you are shooting in black and white. Some subjects that look spectacular in color will look dull and washed out in black and white.
Portraits look especially good in black and white. Just look at the many wedding pictures that are captured in black and white. Extracting the color from these types of images makes the photo look timeless and therefore more romantic. I’ve also seen a number of black and white photos taken of people at the beach that look stunning blown up and placed in matted frames. Color pictures of a trip to the beach are great if you are merely trying to record the event, but if you are looking to capture an emotion then you might consider shooting in black and white. After all, would you rather have a color shot of you and your husband kissing on the sand or one that is shot in black and white? The latter is likely to be more compelling.
Shooting in black and white can transform a simple scene into a dramatic moment. This is evident when you are shooting babies or children in black and white. A shot taken of two children holding hands as they navigate a rocky path can be enhanced when documented in black and white. The lack of color adds a sentimental touch to photo.
Just remember when you are taking black and white photos of people it’s best if they are dressed appropriately—-stay away from loud and busy prints and opt for solid colors with clean lines.
Related Articles:
Tips for Shooting in Black-and-White
Creating Black-and-White Masterpieces