The contrast between black and white and color?

Contrast between black and white and color

There is no doubt that today is the era of color photography. But why do many serious photographers still regard black-and-white photography as an artistic expression? One basic reason is that we prefer the highly abstract ability of black-and-white photography, which enables us to deal with lines and structures, light and shadow more vividly and freely. Let's listen to what the black and white photographer said:

I may like color, but generally speaking, I lack appeal, and black and white photos taken by good photographers have this appeal.

Color is more real than black and white, often too real, which makes you stay here and now, instead of giving people a deeper and more abstract image.

Black-and-white photography can give the scenery a boldness of vision and emphasize its importance, but color can't reveal it.

In addition, I have been collecting the opinions of other professional black and white photographers. They say that when we take color photos, the images are often recorded, or they are just color photos. Others take monochrome photos with color film. They said that many color photos might be better if they were taken with black and white film.

If you agree with the above views, you should recognize your own preferences and continue to explore all aspects of black and white photography. In other words, you must know how to make lines, shapes and other factors produce stronger and deeper expressive force through the elimination of colors.

Many of us are keen on black and white photography, but at the same time we are looking for special ways to make color photos more vivid and infectious. This may be more difficult than black and white photos. The basic way is to make full use of the realism of color, or deliberately reduce this realism to obtain special and sometimes more abstract effects. For example, some of the best color photos I have ever seen have reduced the realism of colors and seem to create a feeling that runs counter to the theme. This is relatively easy for inanimate subjects, but it is much more difficult for character photography. "

Photographers can use many special techniques to achieve this special effect. Two particularly interesting methods are: changing the shooting angle to cause structural deformation and using filters to change colors. In addition, color photographers can also embellish a little other colors in the big single tone, or use brighter and more dazzling colors to achieve special effects. You can also get a special mood by using fuzzy focus. Many excellent photographers let us see things that we can't usually see, which surprises us. In some works, the image even becomes surreal.

Why are color photos of the wounded in the war better than black and white? Obviously, it is precisely because of the cruel and bloody events that the photos have been enhanced. Similarly, the realism of color can also enhance the effect of other documentary applications, such as hungry children, the elderly or the sick. The realism of color can also be used to enhance protest photos or record bad social conditions very powerfully. Professional photographers will really impress us with colors. He won't let a large bright and conspicuous color cover up his feelings.

Of course, it is not the only way to use the authenticity of color to create a strong emotional effect. In a pleasant atmosphere, in order to enhance the effect of photos of people we care about or like, the realism of color is also very useful. Some creative photographers can even use the authenticity of color to reveal the essence of the theme, such as the close-up of the ocean, the earth and the technological world.

Therefore, no one will ask you to give up black and white photography or prefer black and white photography, but you can add people who love black and white photography and explore the ranks of color photography, which will broaden your horizons.