Photography is a medium that allows us to freeze moments in time, capturing the essence of the world around us. While color photography is undoubtedly captivating, there is a unique charm and elegance to black and white photography. Stripping away the distraction of colors, black and white images have the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and showcase the raw beauty of the subject. This timeless technique can transform your images into works of art.
When Did Color Film Become Popular?
Let’s start with the short history of how color was introduced to photography. While doing my research on this topic I quickly realized there isn’t a straight answer on who invented colored film, however, I can tell you that color photography was first invented all the way back in the mid 1800s. What is so ironic about this is color didn’t become popular till over a century later in the 1970s. We’re talking about 100 to 120 years later. Like What!!
Robert Frank, one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
Color photography was frowned upon before the ’70s. It was not considered “art”. A well known and iconic photographer Robert Frank said “black and white is the color of photography” and mentioned that “Color is vulgar”. Robert Frank had a fantastic career and reputation in photography traveling the world producing iconic black and white images. His first photographic work was in fashion photography with Harper’s Bazaar. Other well known photographers agreed with his stance on color and so black and white photography continued to dominate the art world and color was shunned. But the younger generation disagreed and started using Kodachrome. Kodak first introduced Kodachrome in 1935 and was known for its rich warm tones and sharper images. Gradually color photography became more and more popular.
Yet even today, something about black and white photos will still bring you all the feels. One of the key aspects of black and white photography is the interplay between light and shadow. By eliminating color, photographers can focus on the stark contrast between different elements within the frame. Experimenting with shadows, highlights, and mid-tones allows you to create captivating compositions with a wide tonal range, adding depth and dimension to your images.
Enhance Mood & Emotion
The absence of color in black and white photos allows the photographer to emphasize the emotional aspect of the subject. Shadows, highlights, and the interplay between light and dark can evoke a wide range of emotions, from tranquility to melancholy, from mystery to joy. By carefully considering the mood you wish to convey, you can manipulate lighting, and composition to create images that resonate deeply with others.
Timeless & Elegance
Black and white photography possesses a timeless quality that transcends eras and trends. While color images can often be tied to a specific time period, black and white images have the ability to remain relevant and impactful for generations. By embracing this classic aesthetic, you can create photographs that stand the test of time and connect with viewers on a universal level.
Photographing in black and white is a captivating artistic endeavor that challenges us to see the world in a different light. By removing color from the equation, we can explore the fundamental elements of photography—composition, form, texture, and light—and create images that are both visually striking and emotionally evocative. So grab your camera, venture out into the world, and let black and white photography unlock a new realm of artistic expression for you.
