Exploring the City in Black and White | Street Photography
Greetings, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I'm sharing something completely new, or more precisely something I haven't done in many years. Creating images in black and white, particularly in the context of street photography, offers several distinct advantages that can enhance the visual and emotional impact of the images. Memory of the last time doing it goes back to 2018 as I was walking across the Chain Bridge of Budapest and snapping close-up candid portraits of strangers.
Vibrant world of color has its advantages, but there's a reason many street photographs kept shooting there images in black and white. Absence of color brings focus back to the core elements of composition, light and emotion. Every frame demands careful consideration of the interplay between shadows and highlights, textures and forms. So what are some advantages/differences of seeing the world through black and white filter?
Black and white photographs have classic and universal appeal, they'll always be in style regardless of popular filters and trends. There's a sense of nostalgia and rekindling of the past.
Emphasis is on the composition and form. Many photos that work well in color will be awful in black and white. It's because color works as a separator. When it's stripped down, one must focus on lines and shapes, patterns, on shadows and highlights.
Limiting distractions to a minimum. Without color it's important for a composition to be simpler. Things must be clearly defined, there is no room for clutter. With this simplification of complex scenes it is easier to connect with the story or emotion that's being conveyed.
Black and white photographs can convey certain moods much better than color photography. It's easier to create drama, mystery, melancholy... Raw human emotions are on the surface, whether you are looking at their face, body posture a hand gesture or how they connect with other people.
Do you like street photography in black and white? I always felt like I'm missing something when I don't include color, but I have to admit, the photos look good. I might do it more often in the future. Photos taken with Fuji X-Pro2 and 35mm F/2 lens.
Lady in red dress :D
Nice detail in the black & white world.
I carefully read the photography lesson 👌 Easy to understand through your arguments and see the differences between b&w photos and those in colours. I think I tried just with one photo to convert it into black and white and deleted it immediately hahaha. It came out horrible 🤦♀😂
Ok, one photo that represented just my piano's keys - that was let's say ok haha, not many details, just keys :D
From this selection, what I liked the most was the photo with the little boy and the girl, and the dog behind them!
The image would be a fail without the touch of red dress. :) Some photos simply don't work well in black and white. Piano keys - that should work as it's already minimalistic. :) You have to think in black and white even before you take the photo.
Yes, piano keys are the key to success lol 😂
I think the most wonderful thing about black and white is the stories. You can see the stories etched right there on their faces. That sense of mystery like you want to figure out what's in their minds. Like the woman gazing into space on those stairs or the woman holding her child with that melancholic look on her face. What's their story?
It's amazing.
Yes, it was especially evident many years ago when I focused primarily on capturing people's faces and emotions. Right now I'm shooting more from the distance and playing with light and shadows. Glad you like it. :)
Great job, black & White pictures tell us there is a human eyes after the camara
Incredible post! Really amazing shots!
Thank you very much!
Your post is quite interesting. Beyond the photographs, it's because of what you say about this black and white art. The photos are amazing. I love this kind of photography because it makes me feel in the 60s.
It never goes out of style. Glad you like it. :)
Amazing pictures!! They are extremely powerful and real! I love the one with the van and all the people around! I also enjoyed them in black and white!
Thank you very much! :)
Wow, amazing street photography. I am not a photographer, however, I do click pictures on my phone. I love all the photos you have posted.
I am glad you liked the selection!
This is a great series mate. Wel done.
Thanks very much!
black and white photos surely made some of those photo more dramatic. Great capture my friend. :))
I really enjoyed all the photos, and I totally agree with what you say, black and white photos have something that color can never achieve a nostalgic and unique touch. I particularly like this play of light and shadow and as a photography student I really enjoyed each one of them. Thank you.
Speechless, how incredible