Black & White Photography

Black and white photography was the first impression I had of the art itself. My mom had a makeshift darkroom in our barn, The Shop, as we called it, it was both her floral workroom and where we stored the horses’ tack, saddles, bridles and such. She blacked out the windows, and I remember thinking she was doing experiments in there or something because there were all of these trays and solutions and red lights. It was a very odd sight for a 7-year-old. “Can I come in now?” I’d say in a huff if she locked us out because, as you can imagine, three eager little busy bodies always coming and coming isn’t the best scenario for a dark room. She would invite us in to “help” and watch the magic unfold before our eyes. I remember being ever so gentle, giving her the negative strips in my small hands, cradling them like they were baby birds. It was like magic seeing the image emerge from the liquid to the surface. It was just a hobby for her, and most were portraits of our family, horses, or landscapes, but they all were taken in black and white film. I wish I remembered the process entirely, but perhaps that’s something to revisit in time.

Despite what the trends are lately or the newest filters available, black and white will always be timeless. I was once told that if you don’t particularly like a photo, just slap on a black-and-white filter and call it a day. But I don’t necessarily agree with that theory. Not every photo looks better in black in white, nor does every photo look pleasing in color. I think each photo or situation is different in that it varies with what’s in the frame. It can be tricky to decide when to edit a photo in black and white. When I’m creating a collection for a client, I like to include a few black and whites as a visual break, like a palate cleanser.

A quick note about food: in nearly every instance I prefer to shoot and edit in color, simply because color conveys so much about food itself and, well, it’s colorful! And far more appealing and appetizing to look at in color too. One instance that I can think of that when black and white would be appropriate, would be in relation to the cook or maker in a portrait sense. For example, a black and white of an old woman shaping pasta or making bread; its about the moment or the process, not just about the food. Color plays such an important part in our sensory experiences in reality, and it equally does so in photography.

Whether you shooting on black and white film or editing in Lightroom or Photoshop, these are a few guidelines I keep in mind when opting for black and white. I hope this helps you in creative decisions when it comes loading your roll or film or in post-processing!

An unappealing color palette or bland light

If the photo has an off-color palette, bland light, or a weird random mix of colors, editing the final capture in black and white may be a more visually appealing choice. (Think late-night wedding party dance floor.) Black and white may be a good option if there is no harmonic colorful flow or they are very distracting in a bad way. If there are black and white features within the frame, like these cows, a black and white edit enhances that sharp contrast. However, if the photo is super vibrant and colorful, like a rainbow or an autumn maple tree or a field of wildflowers, let the photo be just that — colorful.

Evoking a classic or timeless feel

Black and white evokes a classic and timeless feel. It’s hard to date something if there are no distinguishable details, logos, or other frame of references. After all, black and white photography was the first form of photography so it already feels inherently traditional. Without color, it makes the mood, emotion, and light come to the forefront within the image. There is a bit of mystery in black and white…color sometimes reveals too much in the details and distractions and black and white has an allure and depth that can be so moving and provocative.

Sensitivity to the quality of the light

Since there is no color, light becomes the primary feature within the photograph. The dimensions of light can be explored and celebrated. The personalities, if you will, of light such as softness or hard light can be the focal point. If there is a defined ray of light illuminating your subject that can be very evocative. Window or door silhouettes are a perfect example of how the light becomes a primary player in the photograph.

Emphasizing on textures and shapes

If there are interesting shapes or textures that aren’t enhanced by color, black and white may be a option to play with. Patterns be it natural or man-made can look far better in black in white if they are quite bland and tepid in color. Unique shapes that otherwise would fall away at first glance can be really eye catching in black and white.

Sharp contrasts or shadows

As mentioned above, black and white lends it self beautifully to sharp contrasts and shadows naturally. If your photo has distinct shadows, sharp contrasts, black and white will enhance their richness and depth. In the photo lacks a richness in color yet has pronounced shadows or contrast, black and white will give the photo that “oomph” it lacks. Negative space with high contrast also lends well to black and white in the right scenario. Conversely, if the photo is blurry it may convert well to black and white because the lack of color highlights the blur or motion.

Clutter or distractions

If the photo has a lot of distractions, noise, or “randomness”, black and white can bring focus back to your subject. By eliminating color, your eye now is drawn to composition, emotion, mood, light, and what’s happening in the frame. There was a lot happening in this shot and in black and white, the eye is drawn to the lines, the flags, and the church tower rather than the busyness in the frame.

Minimal clutter or noise

On the other end of the spectrum, if the photo doesn’t have any distractions or noise and is very minimalist in nature such as a portrait, black and white can enhance the focus on your subject. It has a purity to it that makes the view focus on the subject or story you’re trying to share or convey.

Harsh light

Harsh light cam be tricky to edit. With direct natural light the overall look will be harsh with severe shadows and contrast. Harsh natural light generally isn’t the most flattering for most subjects so opting for a black and white can balance out the sometimes garish quality that comes with it.