- Judit Ruiz Ricart
- Apr 16, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: May 4
The first color photograph dates back to 1861, but it wasn’t until the 1970s when it became the primary form of photography. Many assumed that once color photography was available to everyone, black and white photography would be relegated to niche genres or even forgotten all together. But much like film, monochromatic images are more alive than ever before. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to find a photography website that doesn’t include at least one black and white picture.
We could write a whole article with the reasons why black and white photography survived the passage of time and we’d still forget some. The most important, and evident, of them is the fact that we don’t see the world in black and white. Because of this, shooting monochromatic photos offers a whole different perspective of our surroundings.
Numerous photographers believe everyone should shoot black and white photos every so often. They concur that the lack of color pushes us to pay more attention to light, contrast, texture, and composition. And as such, it can help us improve our photography skills significantly. Still not convinced to give monochromatic images a try? These 12 outstanding black and white photography examples will surely make you fall in love with this technique.
01. Lin Na
The incredible way in which Lin Na captured a sole figure standing in the mist among baobabs makes this one of the most beautiful landscape photos we’ve seen in a long time.
02. Heidi Crundwell
Wildlife photography never ceases to amaze us. This amazing picture by Heidi Crundwell shows just how much elephants like water, and how they keep their trunks dry to breathe while they swim.
03. Kary Photography
Kary's photography skills are wide, with a true eye for beauty. This black and white image is the head image for their "special shoots" page where they display creative photography ideas with a mix of color, urban photography and black and white imagery.
04. Joachim Bergauer Photography
Travel photography is not just amazing landscapes and food. As Joachim Bergauer’s portrait demonstrates, native habitants can also be an incredible subject. To master the art like Joachim, you’ll first need to master all essential photography composition rules.
05. Toshihiro Yashiro
When you think about black and white street portraiture, you probably imagine a low-key close-up, right? Toshihiro Yashiro’s portfolio shows that the possibilities of this genre are limitless. Toshihiro's photography is a clear example of the impact that controlling light can have in portrait photography.
06. Simone Cmoon
Understanding balance in photography will enable you to capture outstanding minimalist pictures, such as this black and white landscape photography example by Simone Cmoon.
07. Underlook
Pet photography doesn’t just include dogs and cats. Underlook gives the genre a full 180-degree turn by capturing a broader range of animals from an unusual perspective.
08. Coco Gonser
Learning how to plan and execute a successful photoshoot will allow you to connect with your clients and capture images as beautiful and genuine as this moment forever frozen in time by Coco Gonser.
09. Tobias Purgand
This incredibly beautiful portrait of an athlete captured by Tobias Purgand conveys of how black and white photography adds an artistic value to any genre, even sport photography.
10. Nick Bartrum
The simplicity and masterful use of light of this beautiful nature photo taken by Nick Bartrum will leave you speechless.
11. Donatella Nicolini
When searching for family portrait ideas, black and white photography might not even cross your mind. But a single look at this heartwarming image captured by Donatella Nicolini will most likely result in a change of heart for you.
12. Harald Wittig
Harald Wittig’s use of black and white in this urban scene, paired with the lack of people and movement, feels like a breath of fresh air in a time where everyone seems to be running from one place to another.
Ready to give black and white images a try? Create a photography website and share the results with the world!
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