Does black and white photography still make sense?

Question

I think at first it was because of a limitation of the cameras present at the time, but with the color cameras that we have available now, what do you think of black and white photos?In other words, what does a photo being black and white visually suggest as opposed to the same picture in color?

Answer 1

Yes, but it's best to prioritize images that have higher contrast for B/W. You can easily apply a B/W filter on Lightroom, CRaw, Photoshop, etc...

A lot of photography teachers encourage their students to start by taking photos in black and white to understand basic concepts like contrast, texture, perspective, and framing. Sometimes color distracts us when we are taking a photograph. I started photography using B/W photos, but now I use color. However, most of my photos translate well to B/W. I encourage this for other photographers as well. Many photographers I see today could benefit (mainly in editing) from an understanding of how to shoot in B&W

Answer 2

Of course Black and White Photography still makes sense. In my long experience as a photographer, there are some images that simply translate or have more impact in black and white then they would be in color. Black and White photography deals with tonality, or light and shadow and many photographers feel they can be more expressive in black and white. Color photography has its own way of expression. Its language deals with not only with luminosity but with how colors interact and effect how we respond to the image. So while color photography would be the more common form of photography today. Black and White photography will always be relevant.

Enjoy and explore both!

Answer 3

It's one tool to help the photographer achieve their final goal, which is telling a story wit impact. I use it when the tones of an image tell the story more dramatically then the colors do. It's also useful if the colors take away from the story; like clashing color combinations, or clashing stories, like warm tones are worn on a somber picture.