FIVE REASONS WHY I LOVE BLACK AND WHITE IMAGES, AND WHY THEY’LL ALWAYS BE ONES THAT CAPTURE MY ATTENTION.

When studying photography in University, my professor (a true photo legend), always challenged me when seeing that I’d edited a photo in black in white — “WHY did you choose that?” The “why” always lingers in my head when I create a black and white image, that question, that invitation to process a visual choice. I appreciate that voice in my head, reminding me to think through the art and purpose behind it all.

So, I wanted to give you a glimpse into a few reasons why I always find myself drawn to black and white images.

I. COLOR IS EASY

The majority of us see the world in some type of color every day — it’s expected. It’s easy. When editing an image, color is an obvious and natural way to work through the post processing list. Choosing black and white is an “unnatural” direction, it goes against what our eyes and the camera see and capture. But, it gives us a fresh perspective on an image, it forces us to see it in a new way and to notice things we may not have in color. It simplifies it in the most beautiful way!

II. TIMELESS

Everyone has their own styles of editing — there are trends and unique visual color representations. The photo community goes in waves through different stylistic eras. Black and white photos remain timeless, they carry something different that lasts through the different seasons of editing choices. They don’t conform to whatever is currently trending, they last and age well. They are so incredibly special that way.

Think of a few of the legends — the Ansel Adams and Vivian Maiers, from certain landmarks or clothing choices, the photos could belong to any era of history. There is something magical about that, almost as if any black and white image could belong to your own memory somehow. There is a connectedness about it.

III. THE LIGHT

Editing in black in white leaves a lot up to the light - it draws the eye to the contrasts. Instead of just noticing the colors alone, b&w images give you a new space to appreciate the way light falls and the shapes it makes. I love playing with the shadows and highlights in an image when it’s in black in white, it’s a whole new way of seeing the subjects and the composition.

IV. THE FEELING

I’m a huge feeler (all about the feelings). I remember during photography class, when I was challenged about my b&w editing decision, I would often end with “…and it just felt right!” Which, doesn’t always fly in an academic world haha. BUT, there is something about the feeling when an image is boiled down to black and white and all color distractions are removed - it’s rich in a different kind of way. In the end, I really just love the FEELING of a black and white photograph.

Wether it’s wanting to challenge myself to steer away from color, or it’s being drawn to the timeless simplicity, or I’m excited about the way the light plays a role, or simply just the FEELING of it all - I absolutely love black and white images and what they carry. Sometimes during a session, I’ll edit multiple in a row of a certain section all in black and white to create a mini “series” of images. Those series are some of my favorites, a little story within a story.

I hope after reading some of my reasons, you can find a new appreciation for black and white imagery as well.

“When you photograph people in colour you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.”

-Ted Grant