Black and white edits
Wedding photography in colour and monochrome
Black and white photography has a rich history, dating back to the origins of the medium itself. In the early days of photography, monochrome images were the only option, capturing scenes in shades of grey, ranging from black to white. However, in the 1950s colour photography became more accessible to the general public with their film cameras.
Fast forward to the digital age, photographers predominantly shoot in colour, yet are able to convert images to black and white during post-processing. At Mae Photography, we embrace this versatility and often choose to edit select wedding photographs into black and white for a variety of compelling reasons.
Enhances emotion
One significant advantage of black and white photography is its ability to enhance emotion within an image. By stripping away the distraction of colour and patterns, you get right to the heart of the moment. Our black and white edits feature high contrast and rich blacks, intensifying the emotional impact of the photographs for viewers.
For example, in the image below, the absence of colour amplifies the intimate connection between subjects, emphasizing their gazes and strengthening the bonds between them.
Quality of light
There are times when we do not have full control over the lighting conditions, especially at a wedding. When faced with insufficient or poor-quality light, we may decide to convert the image to black and white because it can be more forgiving.While the overall composition may be great, subpar lighting can detract from the image's impact. By converting such images to monochrome, we're able to salvage moments that might otherwise be discarded, ensuring every cherished memory finds its place in your gallery.
Purest form
Stripping a photograph of its colour invites viewers to appreciate its other visual elements, such as composition, lines, shapes, textures, contrasts, and tones. This shift can reveal nuances that may have gone unnoticed in a colour photo. Additionally, as the human eye translates the world around us in colour, black and white photography offers a unique opportunity to see things differently.
Creative choice
The decision to convert an image to black and white is ultimately a creative one, guided by the photographer's artistic vision and intuition. While some photos naturally lend themselves to vibrant colour, others may benefit from being black and white. As artists, we wield the creative license to choose the most appropriate presentation for each photograph.
Written by Eleth Mageehan, (c) 2021, all rights reserved.
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