This is a never ending debate in the world of street photography, but it ultimately comes to a personal preference and what feels right for you. The beauty of digital photography (let's assume you don't shoot film) is that you don't have to choose between color and black and white before you press the shutter. You make the decision once you open the Lightroom.
Usually your subject dictates if the photo should be in color or black and white. Sometimes the color is integral part of the photo and makes for a great composition. Other times it distracts the attention away from the main subject. Great black and white photos often have clear lines, good light and/or a standout subject and they have this artistic look.
Many modern street photographers try to replicate the work of the masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Vivian Maier who shot B&W almost exclusively. I'm still experimenting and find myself from time to time struggling to choose between the two.
Do you have a preferred style?
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Vivian Maier was a sheer genius behind the lens. I met the director behind her documentary and ultimately the guy who "discovered" her work hidden in bins of undeveloped film rolls. Truly an incredible story.
And to your point, i think different backgrounds, settings, moods, and subjects call for the black and white vs. color. the one of the ladies on their phones - i love it in black and white because it makes it seem a bit older than its time, yet they are ingrained in their smartphones. but the sunset image - theres no way youd capture the power of a sunset without its color. and soft blue tones. absolutely lovely shot.
ps - i visited belgrade last summer and absolutely fell in love - on multiple levels. stunning architecture, beautiful people. really such a dreamy lovely place.
Wow that is amazing that you get to meet the guy responsible for bringing us the story of Vivian Maier! She was such a fascinating and extraordinary woman and her photographs a real treasure. :) I enjoyed the documentary so much.
Good points about the two photographs, some just work better in one of the two edits. My concern is not to mix too much, especially in the same publications cause it may be off-putting to people.
I'm happy that you enjoyed our little city! People are really nice indeed, and going out there as a street photographer is a blast. Come back when you get a chance.
Btw, your username reminds me of Vivian. :)
it was such an incredible experience :) she was a fascinating person indeed. so secretive for such a long time. its hard for me to keep my own secrets from any one person let alone the whole world! especially taking photographs of other people in public. she'd have been a great spy - although i think in her mind she already was one.
and thanks - i wonder what her username would be. certainly not one with her name in it!
Am I too late? Although it is not that easy to pick a favorite one, after a careful look I still manage to find the photo that I just love! And from this post it is that one of the Asian looking woman. I like the B&W more. In fact, I really like B&W photos now! Beautiful job as always Alcibiades :)
It's never too late, Abigail. :) And I'm never disappointed with your choice - I just love that photo! I'm glad you are enjoying B&Ws as I'm starting to get more and more into it. Thanks for another lovely comment. ;)
I really like how you worded this.
It's so true. When I am asked if I like a photo in color or b&w.....I really do consider the emotion and story I am looking at. Sometimes the colors block the emotion because my eye will be drawn to a certain color - a little confusion maybe.
For example in the photo with the sunset and the girl at the brick wall - in black and white the focus is on her - what is she looking at , but in color my eye is drawn to the setting sun and the colors behind the white bag she is carrying.
I enjoy your photos......the black and white edits are striking.
My favorite photo? The last one. Why? I think you shot one similar before and I like the closeness and intimacy the couple is sharing.
Thanks for sharing and teaching !
Really nice observation about the girl and the sunset. In B&W eyes automatically go to her, while in the color version one just has to look at that beautiful sunset. I think both photos work fine and just tell a different story.
The last photo is posted before, I'm so happy you have recognized it! It's one of my favorite photos I took. :)
Great post! I really like the Black and White pictures, I feel like we can see people emotions in them.
Thanks! Yeah, that's one of the advantages of black and white, it strips away all the necessary distractions and you are left with the core and emotion.
I think it depends, which is what you pretty much said. For example, that blue hat that the little boy is wearing really adds something to that photo that would be lost in b&w. Also, the red coat and the yellow coat that the two women are wearing I think are important.
However, it's hard to say. Now I want to see all of the pics side by side in both formats! I wonder what the two older couples on the benches would look like in b&w..
Anyhow, I think it's your art, and you trust yourself. That is the important thing. Either way, your pics are always fantastic.
I tried to make the photo with the little boy in b&w but it didn't work exactly because of that blue hat and how it blends with the background when there's no color. It comes down to individual photos. Although, if you decide before taking the photograph whether to shoot in color and black and white, it's much easier to get the good shot.
Photo of the two older couples in b&w. :)
Oo, yeah, see I like this one better in B&W. They each have a tree that highlights them, which I didn't notice in the color version. So fun to see the differences. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the feedback and I have to agree with you. :) It works well in b&w.
Since I started photography a few years ago, I have been going back and forth between color and B&W, and to be honest, I will probably never stick with one of the two :) That said, I like both your B&W and color edits. My favorite B&W shot is the one with the people sitting around the monument - I like the contrast that the white marble creates. I am with @countrygirl when it comes to color :)
I try to be consistent cause I guess mixing color with black and white in the portfolio might be a bit off-putting to some people. But some photos just work better in either of the two. I edit them pretty much the same, just drop the saturation in b&w. :) Great choice!
Your work is very impressive. I taste more black-and-white. This gives the photo a touch of timelessness. The spirit of classic street photography. Looking at such photos creates the feeling that we are at a photo exhibition. Photography in black and white processing becomes a work of art. In color, it's just modern pictures like I was flipping someone's Instagram. At least this is my vision and my opinion.
True. That is why i usually have my children's photo in black and white because it brings out the emotion which is usually hidden if colored.
Ah, definitely! Family photos work great in black and white. I just recently realized that and started doing more of these, may be a nice family album.
There's truth in what you say, although I see a lot of color photos that look just as amazing and artistic as b&w. If I would be having an exhibition though, I would probably showcase only one style and not mix them up.
I just recently watched this great b&w street photography exhibition if you want to check it, and it's from Russia. :D
It's an amazing sight. Thank you for showing this video. I'm impressed!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
I usually prefer color photos but I don't know... Your black and whites look great and I'm going to have to say I prefer those. Great shots!
I usually stick to color as well, but damn, the B&W can look really good. :) Thanks for the comment!
I really like the photography......it is too good the style is amazing
While colour photography can be quite artistic, I do prefer black and white. As you mention, it is somehow crisper and tends to lead us closer to the subject, giving us a more intimate view.
I love the contrasts both dramatic and subtle with black and white.
Black and white vs color.....hmmmmmmm
Like what you said....it is an unending debate which has no end because humans are brought up differently and location,environment,attitude,emotion,exposure,family lifestyle,and age group are most of the factor which influences our choices.
Personally speaking,I love ancient photos let say 1970's that are of black and white background but this days,we have access to a world of choices(color vs black and white)
I like photos of black and white background reason because it shows the state of being,character,emotion and it brings the viewer to more focus on the person in the picture(photo)
But this modern days color designs are worderful,sweet and most importantly,it can add beauty even when the person in consideration is not thou beautiful.
So I can say..if you have natural beauty,go for black and white..(people we like you more)
If not,cover your fault with color photography!!!!
I believe I have made some point!!!
Amazing picture, pointing out the beautiful and amazing face of nature in the winter and i also liked the idea of one photo everyday and i also sharing the Random Photography series everyday. Thanks for sharing.
Have a great day and stay blessed.
@alcibiades beautiful capture
It's true that @countrygirl, the last glaring black & white photo. sense must be lightened a bit, not too dark. I like your work. I get inspiration from you.
Beautiful photos. :)
Thank you! :)
I'm so in love with this photo
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I definitely like the b/w images for these street photos. It adds a sense of realism and documentary style that really works.
Is great to be here.
I love your post
That last photo melts my heart, hehe! :)
I like the first one too because they look so serious and stylish!
I'm glad that one put a smile on your face. :) It was a beautiful moment indeed.
This is so true. Even though I don't know much about photography, it's a tough choice between the two!
Yeah, you want to stay consistent but some photos just work better with different edit.
Really lovely work! I think another interesting debate is whether we should be using lightroom to add a film look to our photographs? I love black and white photos, but your color street shots are my favorite. I really like tones in the colors... Very Subtle! When can we expect more of your work?
I definitely love black and white for street photography