Originally, just as with movies, all film for still photography was black-and-white or sepia. It wasnt until the mid-20th century that color photography became feasible for the masses. Obviously color photography is now open to anyone, and given that we see the world in color, why would we want to deliberately remove color from our photographs?
This question is slightly difficult to answer as it brings up another question; when to take a black and white photo or when to remove color from a photo using an editing program such as Photoshop.
To simplify is the answer to the above question. This process allows for removal of distracting elements from a photograph, much like blurring the background or enhancing the frame of a photo.
So now we know the why, which has led us to the when, of black-and-white photography, lets look at the three main situations where we might de-saturate (i.e. remove color from) a photo.
# Color Portraits - Taking a photo of someone using color photography reveals a close up to their facial flaws. Things such as skin discolorations and blemishes become a distraction to the viewer and leave them unable to see the true emotions, life and personality of the person in the photo.
# Fine Art Abstract Photography
In Abstract Fine Art Photography, a photographers subject of choice is patterns and shapes. If color photography is used, it takes away from the importance of the subject matter, while black and white allows the artists vision to remain clear.
In addition, photographers of Abstract Fine Art will often increase the contrast of a photo after removing the color. This is commonly done with the assistance of an editing program.
# Monochromatic - Black and white is generally used in this situation.
Having a photo that is lacking brilliant color is distracting. Hence, it only stands to reason that it be stripped and made a black and white photo. Just as color can be distracting, so too can be the lack of lustrous color. - 20763
This question is slightly difficult to answer as it brings up another question; when to take a black and white photo or when to remove color from a photo using an editing program such as Photoshop.
To simplify is the answer to the above question. This process allows for removal of distracting elements from a photograph, much like blurring the background or enhancing the frame of a photo.
So now we know the why, which has led us to the when, of black-and-white photography, lets look at the three main situations where we might de-saturate (i.e. remove color from) a photo.
# Color Portraits - Taking a photo of someone using color photography reveals a close up to their facial flaws. Things such as skin discolorations and blemishes become a distraction to the viewer and leave them unable to see the true emotions, life and personality of the person in the photo.
# Fine Art Abstract Photography
In Abstract Fine Art Photography, a photographers subject of choice is patterns and shapes. If color photography is used, it takes away from the importance of the subject matter, while black and white allows the artists vision to remain clear.
In addition, photographers of Abstract Fine Art will often increase the contrast of a photo after removing the color. This is commonly done with the assistance of an editing program.
# Monochromatic - Black and white is generally used in this situation.
Having a photo that is lacking brilliant color is distracting. Hence, it only stands to reason that it be stripped and made a black and white photo. Just as color can be distracting, so too can be the lack of lustrous color. - 20763
About the Author:
Tobias Sterling is life long fan of photography. An experience photographer, he loves to share his knowledge and provide lessons about Basic Photography Camera Settings and Post Process Photos on Clivir.com.
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