When do you use black and white? part 2

As I said in my last post, there are no set rules for when to choose black and white over color. The best way to decide for yourself is to experiment. Convert some photos from color to black and white and then compare. For me, the most important general rule might be the following:

Use black and white when light is more important than color.

Black and white emphasizes tonal range. I don't mean to suggest that light is not important in color photos, but sometimes color competes with (or is less important than) what is happening with the light. In the above photo, for example, the wet pavement, the tabletops, the texture of the metal grating, and the chrome outline of the chairs all gain more interest in black and white. The deserted scene also seems to call for monochrome.


Another photo that I've used before in color is well suited to black and white. The flea-market setting and the old photogravure give a sense of the past—as does black and white. Something about the emotion changes when you remove the red from the container behind the dog and the pink from the tablecloth.

This photo I took of an older man examining the provocative window display at a large Parisian department store looks more Doisneau-esque (not a word, I know) in black and white. As with the photo of the dog above, the emotion changes in black and white. The relation between the man and the mannequin (each "looking" at the other) somehow changes, but I can't put it into words.

What do you think? When you use black and white? Share your comments, and share your work this month.

When do you use black and white? part 1

Truth be told, I am a reformed black and white snob.

Before I went digital, I shot almost exclusively in black and white. Why the change? I learned to appreciate color as soon as I had to work to calibrate my printer for it. Suddenly, I paid more attention to color and I began to shoot with color in mind.

But let's say you are trying to convert color to black and white for the Monthly Special. Do some photos work better in black and white than others? Yes. Most definitely. But which ones? That's the hard part. Personal preference plays a huge role here; there are no set rules. Nevertheless, here are a few ideas to consider:

I'm envisioning something a teenager might like in their room rather than realism. This very contrasty and stylized (almost iPod ad-like) conversion emphasizes the silhouette and dramatizes the sky.

Possible rule #1: Extreme lighting converts well to black and white.

The above detail from a statue in the Louvre highlights the life-like body and beautiful folds of fabric created by the sculptor. I liked the color original, but seriously, how much color did it really have?

Possible rule #2: If the image is fairly monochromatic to begin with, it's a good candidate for black and white.

Technically, this isn't the best image, but I wanted to post it anyway because I like the old man stooped over the bin of books contrasted with the younger man going about his business and glancing sideways. Is he judging? Is he thinking about stopping to look at books as well even if it means arriving late to work? In color, the trees, awnings, and umbrellas in the background distract from the real subject matter.

Possible rule #3: If color distracts from the real focus try black and white.