Black and white photography was the first form of capturing still photographs just as it was the first form for motion pictures. It wasn't until the mid-twentieth century that color photography first became available. In today's world, color photography is available to everyone. So, with the world being visualized in brilliant color, why then would anyone wish to remove such illumination and use black and white?
This question is slightly difficult to answer as it brings up another question; when to take a black and white photo or when to remove color from a photo using an editing program such as Photoshop.
The answer is quite simple, to simplify the photo. Using black and white or removing the color from a photo enables all distracting elements to be eliminated. This process is similar to that of blurring the background or playing with the frame of a photo.
Now that we have found the why to our question, let's explore the when, in other words, what are the three main situations for removing color from a photograph.
# Portraits - In color portraits, facial flaws such as blemishes, skin discoloration, red nose and so on, are very distracting to the viewer. By removing or stripping the photo of color, the viewer can then concentrate on the emotions, personality and life of the person portrayed in the image.
# In abstract fine art photography
Color is very noticeable in a photo, and it generally trumps things like patterns or shapes. So another use for black-and-white is when a photographer wants to take a photo that is about a pattern or shapes. This type of photograph comes up most often in what we might call abstract fine art photography, where there really isnt a clear or recognizable subject for the photo.
In addition, black and white photos are generally more tolerant of contrast. Therefore, photographers of Abstract Fine Art will oftentimes remove color and increase contrast using an editing enhancement program.
# Monochromatic - Black and white is generally used in this situation.
Having a photo that is lacking brilliant color is distracting. Hence, it only stands to reason that it be stripped and made a black and white photo. Just as color can be distracting, so too can be the lack of lustrous color.
This question is slightly difficult to answer as it brings up another question; when to take a black and white photo or when to remove color from a photo using an editing program such as Photoshop.
The answer is quite simple, to simplify the photo. Using black and white or removing the color from a photo enables all distracting elements to be eliminated. This process is similar to that of blurring the background or playing with the frame of a photo.
Now that we have found the why to our question, let's explore the when, in other words, what are the three main situations for removing color from a photograph.
# Portraits - In color portraits, facial flaws such as blemishes, skin discoloration, red nose and so on, are very distracting to the viewer. By removing or stripping the photo of color, the viewer can then concentrate on the emotions, personality and life of the person portrayed in the image.
# In abstract fine art photography
Color is very noticeable in a photo, and it generally trumps things like patterns or shapes. So another use for black-and-white is when a photographer wants to take a photo that is about a pattern or shapes. This type of photograph comes up most often in what we might call abstract fine art photography, where there really isnt a clear or recognizable subject for the photo.
In addition, black and white photos are generally more tolerant of contrast. Therefore, photographers of Abstract Fine Art will oftentimes remove color and increase contrast using an editing enhancement program.
# Monochromatic - Black and white is generally used in this situation.
Having a photo that is lacking brilliant color is distracting. Hence, it only stands to reason that it be stripped and made a black and white photo. Just as color can be distracting, so too can be the lack of lustrous color.
About the Author:
Tobias Sterling has been in love with photography for many years. He loves to share his knowledge with fellow enthusiast on Clivir.com where you can find his lessons about Photography basics and tips and Black and White Photography Tips.
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