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Weddings (in Black and White): An Appreciation
The title to this post isn't quite accurate because I've also included some shots from engagement shoots but I think you get the idea of what I'm talking about.
Generally when I shoot I sometimes see a shot and I know that this should be black and white. It might be obvious because of the lighting conditions or the composition but something says, "Black and white."
Not too long ago (ok, maybe it was long ago) black and white was how we photographed the world. Photographs, movies and then television all began as black and white. Later, as technology changed, colour made it's way into our photographic world. (A side note - I am Canadian and in Canada this is how we spell colour!) Now colour dominates and black and white occasionally makes a guest appearance.
I always tell clients when I see a photograph as black and white and, luckily, most of my clients seem to be willing to indulge me when I deliver a few black and white shots. But recently I've been going through past weddings and collecting my black and white photographs.
When I look at these photographs I am struck by a sense of what I'll call "directness" to them. The removal of colour allows the form and the content of the images a clearer expression. Colour, it could be said, colours our reaction to the image (thank you, thank you. Try the veal) but in a way it's true. I'll explain what I mean with the image above from an engagement shoot from last year. Alix and James and I met on a beautiful October afternoon and had a great time. I remember when we shot this image I loved the fact that I could see them and their profiles in their shadows and I said, "Black and white!"
What does the colour image look like?
Is the black and white version better? Not better but, in my opinion, stronger; you may disagree with me. And that's okay. (To be honest I believe that when I sent the images to Alix the black and white wasn't included).
So?
I suppose the point to this post (if there is a point) is to be open to black and white. As a client trust your photographer if they say that a shot they just took is a black and white image. If you don't like black and white make sure your photographer knows this. And photographers give yourself room for your own personal expression - that's what you've been hired for. If presented with a client who doesn't like black and white you can still generate the black and white image for yourself and you can still give it to the client as well as a colour option. If the client is open to the idea that some images will be black and white then make the decision - black and white it is.
Remember black and white is beautiful (and so is colour.)
