Frohnleichnam Vienna 2014
Essay – Why I Like Black and White!
Some shadeless reflections!
Black and White photos, it is argued by those who love colour, show none of the colourful realities of life, and, are therefore unreal! But, (and this is a different topic altogether!) are any photos real? I believe not. They are simply frozen moments in time as captured by camera. And, as far as I'm concerned, colour, and black and white both provide for magnificent pictures. As to which is the best is a matter of personal taste. I prefer black and white, and my reasons are simple.
To begin with, black and white photography totally emphasises the main subject of the picture by freeing it from the chains of clashing surroundings. Colour can only do this by eliminating all except the foreground, which, of course destroys the background as well. A sharp picture in all aspects is very important for me.
Secondly, black and white is more-or-less timeless! There are non of the colours of temporary fashion, and, there are non of the exaggerated shades of badly matched tones, and everyone and everything looks regal and great. Black and white photography, no matter how old, is always fresh, and that's how photography should be.
My third and biggest reason for liking black and white is its total lack of aggression. There are no fighting reds, vicious oranges or poisonous greens, etc, which can make for unpleasant feelings. Black and white, no matter which subject, (including war, etc) is balanced and peaceful. Clashing, due to its span of pure white to deep black is impossible, and, maybe, this pureness of expression and peace is life as I really want it!
Of course, colour does play a very important role in certain types of photography. However, when it comes to street photography, portraits and life as it comes; black and white is the best - and it is for me!
naj – May
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