My Fallen Star – BW – Click to view larger
Hey there,
This evening I’d like to talk with you a bit about something that I am experiencing in my photography right now.
You see I’m struggling with the question of whether I should be making black and white photographs… or color photographs.
Now believe me. I can and will make both versions of my photographs… but if I was to choose “the best” what would it be?
The answer of course cannot be singular. Nor is there a right and wrong answer. But if you will allow me I will discuss a few of the reasons I am really loving black and white images as well as color images lately…
I’m In Love With Black and White
I’ve been working a lot with Black and White images recently. Not necessarily for publishing here, but for almost all of my client work I make two versions of the files. One in color and the other in Black and White.
Why do I love Black and White? Because it takes so much out of the photo. Instead of getting caught up in the color tones that make a color image so amazing, I am met instead with contrast, shape and light. That’s about it.
Reducing an image to its contrast, shapes and light, brings out the basic qualities of what makes an image great. (or not so great)
Photography is all about the light. An image that does not convert well to a black and white often has trouble standing as a color image as well. (This isn’t always the case, but often is.)
I’m Still In Love With Color
Now don’t get me wrong. I love color images.
If I had to go back to before they invented color film I would undoubtedly wish I could capture color images.
The thing I love about color is the feeling and mood that can be created just by adjusting color, changing color temperature, or using a cross processing technique.
Color images also print very nicely. Black and white can and does print well, but a well printed color image, hung well and lit well… is simply stunning.
Color can help create a depth and dimension that is almost lifelike.
Color is cool.
My Fallen Star – Click to view large
If I was going to send you a print of either one of these two images… which one would you choose? Color or Black and White?
Have a great evening folks!