Photography captures moments, but the choice between colour and black and white changes how we perceive them.
This coloured photo showcase the warmth of a sunset, while a black and white version emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow, making it feel more dramatic or nostalgic.
This photo was taken in my local wetlands some few years ago.
Colour photography reflects reality, evoking emotions through vivid hues and natural tones. In contrast, black and white photography strips away distractions, emphasizing contrast, texture, and form.
This is the Church of Saint Ildefonso in Porto one fine night.
While colour images tell a story through shades and warmth, black and white relies on light and shadow to create depth and emotion.
Taken after the rain.
Both styles have unique strengths, influencing how we connect with an image. While I’ve always been drawn to the vibrancy of colour photography, I must admit that black and white sometimes carries a deeper sense of drama, emotion, and timelessness. I am linking this to Patti’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge with the theme for this week: Exploring Color vs Black & White
Wonderful choices for the week Teresa. In all cases I prefer the color image although the B&W’s are also lovely. That center image is amazing – I’d not seen that church before.
Thanks for liking my choices. That church in Porto is located further away. It is near Batalha Square, where we booked our airbnb.
I’m a colour girl too, but that zinnia looks stunning in black and white, Teresa. The rain drops sparkle!
Thanks Jo. Glad you like the flower. I just put more contrast to make the droplets stand out more
I like the church in Porto and the Zinnia is fabulous
Thanks so much Brian. Glad to know your favourites
Great examples for this challenge Teresa. I thought the sunset and church called for color, but the flower was equally great in black and white.
It is amazing how different people have different favourites. Appreciate your comment, Anne
Wonderful examples!
They do convey different meanings, color and B&W, but I like all your images.
Thank you Nes. Glad to hear your thoughts.
This is a great post with well-chosen examples to make your point for you. I like both colour and b/w here.
Thank you Margaret, glad you liked my choices.
Beautiful choices in both colour and B&W! I often prefer colour but indeed that zinnia is glorious in B&W too!
Thanks A-C. I was surprised too as to how the flower came out!
It is interesting how the water droplets seem to stand out more in the b&w image and the church looks more intimidating in b&w. Great to be able to use both color & b&w, depending on what story you want the image to convey. 🙂
So true. Thanks Pepper for your exact description.
I miss the rich colours of your wetlands shot in the B&W edit but I think the other two work very well 🙂
I agree. Some photos really need colour.
Monochrome works with the light – and you show that beatuifully here. The church looks wonderful.
Thanks so much Elke ❤️
Great selections all. I prefer the colors in the first two pairs, water drops seem more emphasized in the flower BnW. Well done.
Thanks John. B&W sometimes does that and it is for the better.
Wow, Teresa. Great choices. Your flower “portrait” works for me in both color and black & white. The church….I love the mood in b&w. And the color version of the sunset highlights the magnificent sky. I’m happy you joined us!
It is always a pleasure to join in. Thanks Patti.
Ohhh…I don’t see my comment! I’ll check back to see if it was posted.
It went to pending. But thanks for checking back Patti.
The B&W image of the flower is beautiful. Although I like the blazing colour of the first version, the clarity of the droplets is lovelier in B&W.
Thanks I. j. It is nice to hear your thoughts.