Black and White vrs Colour

After researching many black and white photographic artists, I came across Toni Frissell. Her images although lacking colour are extremely sharp and clear. Her unbelievable technique is apparent in works such as ‘Underwater Model Swimming’. This is a photo of an underwater view of a woman at the Weeki Wachee Spring, Florida, dated January 1, 1947. Her talent to capture clarity at this time was truly amazing.

I truly love this image, it is simple and elegant, yet a little disturbing to me. On one hand it expresses the freedom from the flow of the gown, the uncomplicated surroundings and the stillness and clarity of the water. Yet her body is quite rigid. Her arms right down to her fingers are straight and stiff. Her torso also does not have that floating, relaxed feeling. However this does work so well in this image. The contrast of emotion attracts interest.

Toni Frissell was widely known for her high-fashion photography, but also volunteered to many organisations during WWII. Her shots are inspirational, as her desire to be taken serious and expose a world that fathers, brothers and sons all had to endure on behalf of our freedom.
After my exploration into Toni Frissell and her world of Black and White,Helen sent me an image to add to her wedding page. Now black and white would definitely not do this image justice. The blessing of colour has turned just another scenic wedding shot into a epic tale of romance, passion and intrigue. The unimaginable colours in the sky are exaggerated by the subtle, dull tones of the earth, rock and sea. This picture alone would be an award winner, but for your wedding day ………….. UNBELIEVABLE!!

Helen has a number of different wedding shots of the bride and groom, brides, parents and wedding parties. Her unique ability to capture the feel of an individual through the camera is exceptional. The use of window light and her attention to detail for a single shot far surpasses any ideas I could envisage. Helen transforms traditional, stale shots by using camera techniques, an array of colours as well as implementing her artistic expression. No two shots are the same, each is unique and memorable.

Black and White photographs portray a whole different perspective. Focus is required from the photographer who takes the shot to the subject who desires the effect this medium brings to the table. Black and White Photography allows the focus to be shifted from technical to emotionally descriptive.

The timeless effect of Black and White Photography allows the photographer to capture the subject in an environment, position or outfit that would normally be drab or lifeless in a colour shot. The simplicity of this medium allows viewers to recognise the important, detailed factors of each subject. Allowing the subject individuality to be captured.

Brides usually ask about or select black and white photos, as it has a classic, romantic softness to it. Once again this timeless feel, encapsulates longevity, which of course every soon to wed or married couple aspires to. Skin tones, harsh light are all mellowed down in black and white images, which of course Brides love as these are the pictures that will last a life time.

Some of the more influential and beautiful moments have been captured in black and white. Indeed, beautiful black and white photography doesn’t attract with its play of colours. Here close attention to composition, lighting, perspective and the context it is shot in are important.