Would you rather see a Black and White photo or a color photo?

Answer 1

A famous photographer (whose name I have unfourtunately forgotten) once said that a black and white photo is art, where as a color photo is just scenery. It certainly depends on the circumstances, and the feeling or idea you are trying to comunicate.

Answer 2

My preferance of B&W or color completely depends on the photo. There are many times where black and white just will not work and vise versa. For example, you would want to use color when taking a picture of fall leaves, but black and white might be best to emphasize the texture of an old dilapidated building.

If the color is essential to the photo, then by all means, use color. If texture is more important, go with black and white.

Answer 3

I totally agree with artgeektopia. I'd rather see a good photograph and it doesn't matter if it's colour or black and white.
My preference really depends on the picture. I love colour when it's done well. I love black and white when it's done well. I think it takes a skilled photographer to realize which one works best. Sometimes one picture can be great both ways, for different reasons.
Someone mentioned a picture of fall leaves (perhaps a closeup?). I can imagine one version of a photo, with brilliant, beautiful colour. But I can also imagine another picture in black and white, with lots of contrast, that emphasizes the textures and shapes of the leaves. That, to me, would be just as beautiful.

Of course, it's all personal preference. I like both, some people only shoot black and white, and my sister hates anything monochrome because "there's no colour!" So it depends on the person.

Answer 4

I would rather see a good photo. Seriously. If you're asking the question to try to figure out what sort of photography YOU should do, do what you love. If you're taking a photo of something where you think color is important, take it in color. If you'd rather emphasize light and shadow, form, or texture, you might try black and white.

Personally, I like either, so long as they are done well.

Answer 5

You know the saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?"
I think this is a good example of that. Art is what you, the viewer, make of it. For me, I love both, depending on what it is an image of and what it represents. If I need to know exactly what someone looks like (ex: What color their hair is or eyes are), I want color. Or a photo of a beautiful sunset. But, I definitely appreciate the beauty of a black and white photograph and the somewhat mystious quality it brings with it.

Answer 6

I'd rather see the black and the white in a colored photo.

Answer 7

Joyful Paints said it well.
I do all my design to reproduce well in black and white.
Color makes it easier for our eyes to pick out detail but it takes a better composition (a better photo) to show it in black & white. In take my photos in color but set them up, compose or plan them to print in black and white. That way I know the work is strong and I can choose to keep the color if it enhances the final photo.

Answer 8

B&W photos are my favorite. I like the art in photography. Some art in color photography is very good. But I have had better luck with finding good work in a Black and White photo.

Answer 9

According to what the picture is 'of'! Black and white are used for crime scenes because it picks up more detail. Even though color is nice on the eyes.

Answer 10

a black and white photo can sometimes be a very strong image.most people like to see with solour though, because it is more expressive.it all depends on how the artist portrays the whole mood.