It's Not All Black and White

When people hear that I’m a photographer, they sometimes ask: Are you a black and white photographer or a color photographer? The question puzzles me. Why would I restrict myself to one style and rule out the other? It’s like asking if I prefer air or water. I'll take both, thank you.

Of course, not everyone feels that way.

Many fine art purists insist that all serious photography is done in black and white. In that same vein, some of my colleagues and friends have told me that my best pictures are my black and white ones, and they’ve urged me to devote more of my work to photography’s original B&W format.

On the other hand, I knew a professional photographer in Southern California who shot exclusively in color – bright, bold, highly saturated color. He found black and white photos boring, and he tried to convince me that I should be shooting less in black and white and much more in color.

So which is better: color or black and white?

I hate to disappoint the diehards on either side of the aesthetic fence, but I think there's a place and a need for both types of photography.

The Elegance of Black and White: I love the mood, the tones and the simple purity of a black and white image. With no trace of color to distract us, we’re left to focus on the lines, shapes, textures and contrasts between light and shadow. For this photo, I felt the original color version had merit with its soft brown tones – but to my eyes, the photo became steeped in added drama and mystery when I converted it to black and white.

The Magic of Color: While I love black and white, I can't imagine a photo like this being stripped of its colors. The vibrant yellows, greens and blues are indispensable parts of the impressionistic view that I captured in the rippled waters of a lake. Removing the color from this image would be like taking all the spice out of your favorite dish. It just wouldn't be the same.

Instead of defining myself as a “color photographer” or a “black and white photographer,” I'm one who chooses what I think works best for each picture.

Come to think of it, that’s how I approach a lot of things in life. Instead of relying on hard and inflexible rules that apply in every instance, I believe the right choice depends on the situation. Call me noncommittal, but I just don’t see everything in black and white.

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