Black & White or Colour, a Photographer’s Perspective
By Hein Jonker
In the world of photography, the choice between black and white and colour is more than just a technical decision; it’s a deeply personal one for me, reflective of my vision and the story I wish to tell. For me, this choice is often inspired by the mood or emotion of the scene I create in my mind, often shaped by my heart.
I find that, at times, colour can be “noisy” or distracting, drawing attention away from the subject. Stripping away that colour can simplify the scene, directing the viewer’s focus and telling the story as it was perceived by the artist.
This article aims to encapsulate the essence of my approach and philosophy towards photography, highlighting the contrasts between black and white and colour photography while acknowledging the unique impact each has on you as the viewer.
Embracing Simplicity through Technical Considerations
When it comes to black-and-white photography, I pay close attention to texture, composition, and simplicity. These elements are crucial in creating a peaceful mood, compelling the viewer to slow down and engage with the image more deeply. By envisioning the scene in monochrome from the outset, I’m able to pre-visualise the result, crafting images that resonate with simplicity and emotional depth.
The Emotional Impact of Monochrome
The emotional aspect of photography is a significant driver behind my preference for black and white. The process of converting a colour image to black and white is not just a technical task; it’s an emotional journey. This conversion allows for a second level of creativity, often not found in colour images. While colour certainly has its place, for me, there is a profound appreciation for the simplicity and less complicated nature of monochrome images.
Crafting the Signature Look
Post-processing plays a critical role in achieving the desired outcome. For portraits, a signature monochrome silver edit is employed, featuring dark shadows, bright highlights, and a distinctive silver touch in the mid-tones. This approach, which marries high-key and low-key techniques with careful adjustments to skin tones and facial features, emphasizes texture and contrast where it enhances the subject.
With landscape or seascape images the restrictions are removed and leaves me with options restricted only by my imagination or intended audience.
Challenges, Limitations, and Audience Reception
Despite the allure of black and white, I’m aware of the challenges and limitations of this medium. Not everyone connects with monochrome images in the same way, and colour is an essential tool for storytelling. However, by offering an alternative perspective through my black-and-white images, I invite the audience to see the world differently, potentially altering perceptions and mindsets.
The response to black and white images varies, but for me, the focus remains on personal fulfilment and the joy of creating it. By carefully selecting compositions and subjects, I’m able to create work that not only satisfies a personal creative vision but also art that resonates with my viewers.
The decision between black and white and colour photography, reflects my inner world, a choice that brings the viewer closer to the emotional core of the image. In a vibrant country like South Africa, where colour and diversity are integral to the national identity, the simplicity of black-and-white photography offers a compelling contrast, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.
Through this balance of colour and monochrome, I not only celebrate the richness of the visual world but also encourage others to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the power of seeing beyond the everyday perceived surface.
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