It is fascinating how older art forms or technologies sometimes take on even greater worth when they become obsolete by the modern and new. This is definitely the case with black and white photography. Color photography was introduced into the mix and it appeared that the era of black and white in both photography and video were gone forever.
However, that was surely not the case. As the years progressed, black and white artistry has taken on new creative value in both categories. In fact, a modern movie entirely filmed in black and white is not all that uncommon anymore. In addition, it is common for a visit to a fine art museum to expose you to extensive use of black and white in the photographic art display. There are also some emotional and artistic qualities in black and white photography and videography that are impossible to accomplish with color technology.
The emotional power of a black and white image is perhaps the most powerful quality that grabs the attention of the viewer. Even an image of just an antique car or an old barn can conjure up emotions that are difficult to express in words yet is universal to all those who look black and white images. As a result, black and white images almost immediately take on an artistic appearance. Therefore, if you are seeking to evolve your artistic photography portfolio and overall style, the inclusion of some black and white images will go a far way in improving your work.
Furthermore, black and white images draw the eye in to focus on the emotional center. The human face is perhaps the best subject where black and white photography is concerned. Even if the expression is tranquil, a vast range of expressions can be seen in the eyes; the focus of the gaze, the tilt of the head, peculiarities of the face or subtle wrinkles.
Black and white images have a way of beckoning the viewer to wanting a deeper knowledge of the story behind the photo. If the image is of a landscape, many of the viewers will question what is happening in the picture and the longer they look at the image, the more the details are filled in by their imagination. If the image captures the face of a melancholy or serene girl, it is difficult not to think about what is weighing on her mind or what her dreams are.
In addition to the emotional power of black and white photography that compels viewers to look for meaning, the images convey remarkable romantic power that powerfully touches the heart. To achieve a certain effect, the romance can easily translate to the erotic or sensual without being changed into a pornographic image. Images that are meant to exude the power of romance and sensuality can be artistically achieved when they include moisture, the beach or other bodies of water. Regardless of the lack of color, black and white images play on the five senses in such a way that color will never be able to achieve.
Experimenting with black and white pictures and gathering the responses of family members and friends will assist you in learning how to master the subtle yet powerful artistic nuances that appear to, almost unconsciously, come with black and white photography. With the digital camera, a new era of black and white camerawork has been ushered in. The form is even used in otherwise non-artistic settings like anniversary pictures and wedding portfolios. This is largely due to the romantic and emotional power conveyed by black and white images.
If you have not started, experimenting with black and white pictures is worth the time it takes to perfect the art of capturing the powerful images that are possible with this type of photography. Besides the artistic use of light and framing, this type of photography lends itself well to editing. Therefore, Photoshop can be used to highlight the emotional center of the image. Soon, you could actually start seeing black and white images in a color world. Your mindfulness of what constitutes a remarkable moment will become acute. You will be prepared to spontaneously capture those moments, which is the greatest type of photography.