Ever since the onset of color in photographs, black and white photography has become less and less popular, however in recent months there has been an increase in the number of photographers turning to black and white photography. Why is this happening now? Well many people believe that photographers are going back to more conventional techniques to perhaps bring out a new look and feel instead of churning out all the too often normal colored photos.
It's important to note that black and white photography was the beginning of photography and holds a special place in many photographers' hearts. This is one of the reasons why it has become a bit of a trendy thing to do nowadays. Basically beginner photographers are starting to take up black and white photography more often than normal photography. Why? Mainly because they are still able to use the most advanced, up to date cameras while creating amazing black and white photos.
What's So Great About Black and white photography?
Perhaps this is a question that can't be answered, however it's more important to realize the unique differences between black and white compared to color. First of all black and white photos are able to portray a lot of different feelings. These feeling are aimed more at the dark side of human nature including, pain, depression a sense of loss and hopelessness and also an ability to create an aged photo.
Color photography however portrays a much more different set of feelings aimed at the more passionate, enthusiastic side of human nature. Bright colors are able to create a sense of joy and enthusiasm. Another important thing to note is that certain colors portray different feelings. Red for example creates a scene of passion and enthusiasm. Yellow makes the watcher feel a sense of joy and happiness.
One thing that many photographers try to do is incorporate both black and white and color together to create a paradoxical scene if you will. By that I mean the photographer will attempt to create a scene of joy using black and whit photography which is normally used for negative emotions. This is something that is very appealing to the more advanced photographer.
Color photography may be more desirable in some respects for sporting events and for landscape photography, though works of black and white photography by such renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Edward Watson are matchless works of art. People photography is another sphere where it reigns supreme and can be particularly appreciated in the old glamour photographs of the late '30s and '40s. The longevity of black and white photographs is seen in these old and lasting prints that age has not been able to damage. Good photography should have two features -beauty and ability to stop time - both of which are abundantly present in black and white photography.