5 REASONS WHY I LOVE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
1:
Up at the very top of my reasonings as to why I love B&W photography so much is because it just looks cool as f*@k. Yep there's not much else to say about that so let's skip to reason 2!
2:
B&W photography adds a timelessness to your images.
Black and white photography has existed since the very start of photography, which means that a black and white image cannot instantly be dated.
Colour trends change over time, especially in photography styles and editing techniques. Therefore, a colour image will often include datable elements or a trend from a certain era – but in black and white, photography it's much harder to place a time or date.
3:
The world in color is beautiful, however sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.
There are plenty of distractions that exist in color that simply disappear when converted to black and white.
Colour itself can take away emphasis on contrast, texture, lighting, shape, and form. Colour will simply distract the viewer and prevent them from seeing what the photo is all about.
Black and white can also eliminate distracting color casts that would otherwise subtly shift the viewer’s attention away from what matters.
4:
It's safe to say that color photography is more realistic and descriptive. A color photo depicts the world as it really is – whereas black and white photos only show a version of reality, one that seems more interpretive and creative.
In a sense, this can help you break free from certain restraints. Without color, you don’t have to show the world as it is; instead, you can show what you see, which might involve unusual relationships, interesting shadows, beautiful textures, and so on.
Ultimately, when you take away color, you remove what your viewer is used to seeing. Suddenly, you have to capture the viewer’s attention without the help of color – which also means that you’re free to have fun, experiment, and show the world in a completely new, creative way.
So in a way, black and white forces you to think, but it makes you more creative in the process.
5:
Personally, I think black and white photos almost always create a wonderful mood – or in cases where the mood is already present, the B&W conversion makes it even more intense.
I’m not completely sure why black and white photography goes hand in hand with moodiness, but something about tonal range, rich blacks, and deep contrast just appeals to us psychologically. It creates an emotional connection, and it makes you stop, look around, and pay attention.
Of course, not all photos need to emphasize a somber, dramatic mood. Sometimes, moodiness is not what a photographer is going for, and that’s okay.
But in cases where moodiness can enhance the shot,I will definitely be making the images B&W
INSTAGRAM | @KIERANPAULPHOTOGRAPHY
KP
E | KIERANPAULPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM
T| +447581464440