After you take a photograph you many find yourself faced with the following question: black and white or color? Each type can create a completely different emotion or convey a differnt message to the viewer.

A couple of weeks ago I took the following photograph of a young boy in front of a brick wall with a painted sign on it.  It’s a nice photograph, warm, conveying some attitude on part of the boy despite the fact that the sign next to him states, “drop on it.”

The sign on the wall looked much more vintage that what this “color” photograph could convey.  Plus, this boy is wearing crocks with blue socks and a modern t-shirt.  I wanted a more vintage feel so I converted it to black and white. What do you think?

Albeit, the photo doesn’t look totally vintage, but it does certainly convey a different message and emotion from that of the color version. It takes the focus away from the blue socks and crocks and brings the majority of focus back to his face and the message, “drop on in.”

Here’s another example: a wedding party in front of a graffiti wall.  Do you see how “different” the emotion that each version conveys?

Challenge: Take a look at your photographs and see what they would look like in a black and white version.  You may like it better.

Joe Randeen
3 Penguins Photography