My Love For Black And White Photography
“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.” - Ted Grant
As the Foundations of Black+White class by Michelle Gardella has come to a close, I can't help reflecting on black and white photography. A lot.Over the last few months I've been trying to incorporate more color images in my portfolio, because I worry that making mostly black and white portraits will lose me potential clients.After this class, my love and conviction about black and white imagery is rushing back.
THE CHALLENGE OF BLACK AND WHITE
Many believe that converting images to black and white is just a quick fix for bad lighting situations. Truth is, it can be very challenging to make black and white images – you have to really nail your light and composition to make a great image. You also have to understand how colors translate into black and white.Sometimes I have to accept that an image works better in color. It could be because of the background colors, or the light, and not working the scene properly to make a monochrome image work. This is the case with a lot of my dog park images ; I absolutely hate how the dry brownish California grass looks as a backdrop for brownish dogs when converted to black and white.Simply put, black and white images have to be very intentional to be truly great. Because every home is different, I like to challenge myself to make a few images with very dramatic light. Sometimes it doesn't come together, but the chase is a thrill!
TIMELESS TIME TRAVEL
Monochrome images can make us travel through time effortlessly, without getting us too distracted with what was in style.Different trends in color photography tend to time-stamp images – I want my clients' photos to stand the test of time.
UNITY
Colors might make us reflect on how people are different, while monochrome images let us see how we are similar. A collection of black and white portraits can feel united, cohesive and controlled even when combining families from different phases, situations and places – as if stripping the images of color brings them to common ground where they can meet, mingle and marry.The common ground I like to dwell in is the experience of childhood and parenthood.
WEEDING OUT THE EXTRA
Over the past few years, post depression and anxiety attacks, I've learned to feel things very deeply. And this is something I like to bring into my photos – a feeling, a moment, something deliberate that will move the viewers even if they don't personally know the people in them. Most of the time I find that colors distract from what I try to convey.I want to draw focus to the person – their action or emotion – not their appearance.
Towards the end of the class I brought up the subject of how I'm scared to lose clients if I don't make more color images. In reply, Michelle wrote something that I will keep close to my heart:
"Never hesitate to give yourself permission to create the art you are being called to create."
Thank you for sharing all the wisdoms, Michelle!