If color photographs have been around for more than 70 years why do people still use black and white photos?

Answer 1

Color is easy. Our eyes see things in color pics more easily than in B&W, so one must actually 'work' to create a good composition with only light and shadow.
I love B&W. It is more powerful, simple and if done right it easily overpowers color shots.

Answer 2

1) Color photographs used to be quite bad in quality even 20 years ago. They were OK when just printed, but then they would fade or turn pink due to exposure to air and light. Black and white photos are a lot more durable.

2) Sometimes less is more. When you take away the colors, you are left with shades and shapes. You notice details that you would have missed in color photo. It leaves more to imagination. It is just like art - color paints are available for hudgreds of years, but some artist prefer graphite.

Answer 3

Sometimes Color is distracting. If something is in black and white you can see some of the hidden beauties that color deflects. Often black and white Photographs depict a different feel, mood or statement. If you have access to a digital camera take a picture, import it on your computer and change it to a black and white picture. Get it developed in both in color and in black and white. Critique the two. It will make more sense to you then.

Answer 4

If you read about or listen to professional photograpers they will tell you that B&W photos have more impact as visual images. Colour tends to distract your eye from the design of the photograph and does not provide the same contrasts and tones which make B&W photographs so interesting. Also in the printing stage the photograper can manipulate the image to create additional tonal qualities. Try it for yourself. Take a photo and then copy the print with a B&W photocopier and check the difference

Answer 5

You see in colors, so is a bigger challenge to create an emotional or interesting composition in black and white. There is where you can see the artist. And in another side the colors sometimes takes the importance of a shape, in black and white, the shapes recovered the importance and the colors don't stole the attention.

Answer 6

Most artistic photographers prefer the black and white medium because light can be manipulated by the use of f-stops which makes for more dramatic and artsy photos.

Answer 7

Some people like how the black and white photos look better. It can contrast skin color, and sometimes it looks alot better than color photos.

Answer 8

Because they are gorgeous!!!!
There are effects you can achieve with black and white that would look cheesy in color. Why do women still wear the classic little black dress? What could possibly look better on a man than a black tuxedo? They are simply beautiful looking.

Answer 9

Some people like B&W photos. For some photographers they like that style better than color. It can also set the mood. It can suggest tranquility where color suggests energy.

Answer 10

Because, from an artistic perspective, the B & W medium allows more focus on the subject rather than the attempt at "real world" color. Also, shadows are more dramatic. I had my wedding photos done in B & W and they were spectacular. It also helps to have a photogtapher who embraces and understands this classic medium.