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01/07/2005 04:38:50 PM · #1 |
| I find it interesting that about 1/3 of the Candid II entries are either B&W, near B&W, or (mostly) selectively desaturated. This seems a lot higher than usual. What is it about Candids that would lead so many photographers to B&W? |
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01/07/2005 05:15:04 PM · #2 |
| Because B&W enhances the mood of a photo, which is an important element in candids... |
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01/07/2005 05:33:07 PM · #3 |
| Mine is colour because it's got colours I wanted to show :) |
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01/07/2005 06:31:08 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by tyt2000:
Because B&W enhances the mood of a photo, which is an important element in candids... |
B&W can enhance mood sometimes but not always. Sometimes, probably most of the time, it just takes the life out of an otherwise interesting picture. I think B&W is over used here, especially in some of the recent challenges like Candid II, Mechanical, Broken and Low Tech. It's hard not to start automatically voting them lower after seeing dozens of B&W images of similiar subjects. Color is a way to make your photo unique.
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01/07/2005 06:46:18 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
Originally posted by tyt2000:
Because B&W enhances the mood of a photo, which is an important element in candids... |
B&W can enhance mood sometimes but not always. Sometimes, probably most of the time, it just takes the life out of an otherwise interesting picture. I think B&W is over used here, especially in some of the recent challenges like Candid II, Mechanical, Broken and Low Tech. It's hard not to start automatically voting them lower after seeing dozens of B&W images of similiar subjects. Color is a way to make your photo unique. |
Not sure I agree
Black and white shows tonal ranges better, which is why (I for one) like to see landscapes in black and white. You also get a much better feeling of texture with b&w too.
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01/07/2005 08:25:11 PM · #6 |
One reason I think B&W is great for candids is that color adds another dimension to photos, which often is used to communicate it's own message (e.g, a sunset), and can even be distracting (e.g., the bright red dress she was wearing).
In a candid, B&W brings the people and the story to the foreground better.
There are other reasons too--such as B&W tones really can emphasize certain aspects of people which give them character (though color can do this too for different characteristics, such as the way someone dresses).
Just my own perspective on it. |
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01/07/2005 08:32:00 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
One reason I think B&W is great for candids is that color adds another dimension to photos, which often is used to communicate it's own message (e.g, a sunset), and can even be distracting (e.g., the bright red dress she was wearing).
In a candid, B&W brings the people and the story to the foreground better.
There are other reasons too--such as B&W tones really can emphasize certain aspects of people which give them character (though color can do this too for different characteristics, such as the way someone dresses).
Just my own perspective on it. |
I agree with Neil here. When I think of "candid" I automatically think b&w. That said I saw some very nice full color candids in the current challenge. |
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01/07/2005 09:42:31 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by jonpink:
Not sure I agree
Black and white shows tonal ranges better, which is why (I for one) like to see landscapes in black and white. You also get a much better feeling of texture with b&w too. |
I respect your taste for B&W but don't agree with either of your propositions. Your B&W are better than most seen here, but so are your color shots.
Originally posted by nshapiro:
... One reason I think B&W is great for candids is that color adds another dimension to photos ... |
Color doesn't add anything. B&W subtracts. Color is the natural way, B&W is processed. We see in color, our digicams see in color.
Sure B&W, sepia, monochromes, duotones all have there place. But when you first look at one of them, any of them, the first thing that comes to mind is "it's not color". I don't think it's helpful to think that any particular style of shot, such as landscapes or candids, is right for B&W. Rather some intended uses are perhaps appropriate, such as pictures remembering someone recently departed.
Too many people here at dpc put up shots converted to B&W without much thought as to why, and it shows. And sometimes, even in challenges, it's obvious that they have tried to salvage a shot that should have been deleted on first viewing because of bad exposure etc. "Opps, it didn't come out very nice, I'll convert it to sepia and make it look artsy with photoshop." "That's not over exposure, it's high key." Yeah, right. LOL
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01/07/2005 11:31:39 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by coolhar:
Color doesn't add anything. B&W subtracts. Color is the natural way, B&W is processed. We see in color, our digicams see in color.
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Yea, but sometimes we dream in B&W. I think pulling some or all of the color out of an image often makes it stronger. But, as you said, you need a strong image to begin with. A lot of the images you are talking about, unless you just have a natural prejudice against B&W, would look just as shabby had they been left with color.
If you take a picture of a tree frog, color is a definite asset. If you take a picture of an old woman on her porch step, converting it to B&W may just be what was needed to make a very good image a great one. If it was a crappy image to start with, chances are there is little you can do post shot that will make it a good one. |
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01/08/2005 12:32:46 AM · #10 |
Years ago I took a photography class from Ruth Bernhart and she said color photos should have color as one of the subjects of the photo. Otherwise shoot black and white. I've taken that to heart though I still do much more color than black and white.
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01/08/2005 12:47:51 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by ACPhotoDesign:
Years ago I took a photography class from Ruth Bernhart and she said color photos should have color as one of the subjects of the photo. Otherwise shoot black and white. I've taken that to heart though I still do much more color than black and white. |
A touch of wisdom. |
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