We live in a world of gradation as very few things are clear cut however, sometimes it is better for illustrative purposes to present the Black and the White view to contrast the differences in points. This often gets criticised as it sets up a false dichotomy and just everyone will be able to find exceptions that break the rule. I see this as a fitting of experience to theory, not necessarily disproving the extremes.
But when it comes to photography, sometimes black and white is just better. I love B and W. Here are two examples from Amsterdam, first the monochrome and then the colour. Slight enhancements and adjustments have been made but, nothing major. I adjusted the colour a little (straightening, sharpness etc) and then just switched to 'black and white' to be fair.
for me, the emotion and moment are better captured in the black and white as taking out the colour detail puts all detail on a level playing field and allows the audience to find what interests them rather than being attracted to colours. Of course, there are still the highlight points like the setting sun and the elongated shadows that pull attention but, back and white somehow makes it more honest and pure.
My catalogue is full of black and whites and even though the coloured originals may be okay, the level playing field is where my heart lays. Once upon a time I was considering starting an alt account with just black and white photos of mine but I realised at the time I would likely still add too many words and kill it :)
Taraz
[ a Steemit original ]
I like black and white pics ! Gives it more style
I agree completely! Black & White is a classic...
You are right. The black and white ones of Amsterdam are fantastic, the colored ones are nice, but they miss the mysteriousness of the black and white photos
You're right. The black-and-white photos of Amsterdam are fantastic, the colored ones are nice, but they lack the mystery of the black-and-white photos
Amsterdam is one of those point and click and it is good cities. I kind of felt like I was cheating there :)
There's something about B&W, it's simple, but says a lot. Most of the time I like my photos in black and white, maybe it reflects my choice of lifestyle, one where I'm always in the background, the underdog.
I think the B&W always expresses more, it also reveals much more detail which can make portraits both interesting and depressing as every wrinkle is seen :)
I went in to review this post because I thought it was an attitude to life and I discovered, amazed, that it has to do with photographs. I agree with you, my dear @tarazkp. I'm not a professional, as if you are, but I'm a sensitive woman who knows how to appreciate details and I know that black and white photographs, and sepia photographs, have an air that is difficult to capture in colour photographs. Perhaps a melancholy, old-fashioned and even uniquely beautiful tone. I encourage you to continue with the idea of making that alternate count. There are many who might appreciate your work. Interesting to have come through here.
Glad you came in. I am what would be called a dabbler in the arts. Not great at any but enjoy many forms :)
You're too modest man, you do get to one's emotions in many ways
Oh man... I've considered plenty of times starting a different account for photography, I do enjoy it quite a lot and images inspire words... but I've been told plenty of times by people who care about me, that it would probably be shooting myself in the foot a bit since it would be starting from 0 again (the new account that is).
Just share away on your account... maybe install steepshot and force yourself to type less (it kind of worked for me)
I have painted myself into a content corner...I seem to feel that if I don't add enough words, I am am somehow cheating. Although I know it isn't true and I never take a post or payout for granted.
Maybe black and white reminds us of simpler times. No that didn't come out right. Maybe it reminds us of more truthful times -times when people were honest with themselves. Of course then there is the emotional element too.
I remember you putting up a pic of your mom in black and white a few days ago and it was beautiful. I have a pic of my dad and mom in black and white and the no other picture of them can compare to it.
I have one also. I have so few photos of them at all but I think that is the only one where they are actually really together. I might write a post later with it.
Would love to see it :-)
Most of the great photographers shine bright in black and white.
With colour the composition can be less tight as the eye is more easily seduced.
I love both genres but am a sucker for a colour photo manipulated with filters to create a faded/worn feel.
Happy snapping.
xox
I think the tastes change and as @dedicatedguy mentions, sometimes colour is better which I agree with. My granddad was an amateur photographer who developed his own shots. He had a darkroom setup and even a colour enlarger, a luxury considering the time. I used to love looking through his photos.
I guess there is an occasion for every style. Sometimes its better B & W, and other times it might be better colored pictures.
Even though I am not a photographer I like the possibility of having colored pictures :)
I take them all in colour, just in case. I agree though, some have to be in colour.
Hi Taraz. Very subtle differences . Both photographs even with the colour. In the black and white it makes you look at the whole picture whereas the colour my eye was drawn to the little colour first. You have pointed something out to me. I also prefer the black and white.
I am no pro but, I think when a little time s taken to analyse the compositions and techniques, more appreciation can come. It is like walking through an art gallery blindfolded otherwise.
It would be interesting to know if there exist AI software capable of analyzing composition in photographs.
Love a good B&W photo, something about the classic feel and crispness of the contrast makes a good photo great. The B&W version of both photos above could of been taken yesterday or 70 years ago and you really wouldn't know the difference...maybe part of the appeal is the timelessness of B&W.
Yes, I like the timeless feel and sometimes an old feel of a modern setting. Another contrast.
One place I really like taking B&W photos is around the stables where my kids ride.
they are great :)
BTW, did you see my post from today? Think you will find it interesting.
and thank you! It's a fun place to take classic looking photos.
Haha well I also like black and white, it looks more of a class sometimes. This might be ancient or antique for some but for me it's like classy.
I love black and white pictures. The view of it is always amazing. Maybe because it gives some sort of antic looks.
Nice photography.
I think the same as you! I started to use black and white recently and I saw that the grayscale, the play of shadows and lights, give a total turn to photography. Some time ago, I participated in my first challenge in steemit and it was precisely in black and white and I won! It was titled "My city in black and white, it's not gray!
Thanks for sharing your art!...I follow you to share more
Wow, I like it.nice photography
For those with true appreciation, a timeless feel to old and new alike. Lending immortality to ones most precious memories. Good work
This is an interesting post, I never though of the use of black and white as "leveling the playing field", but it's a very intriguing idea. I dabble in graphic art (I'm not very good so I don't think I've ever posted any of it) and i always thought of things on a less philosophical level than that. Maybe that's why I haven't gotten good at it. Once again, you've opened my mind to new ideas.