Choosing Between Color and Black and White Photography

The decision of whether to shoot in color or black and white is a fundamental one, impacting the mood, tone, and overall message of an image. It's a choice that goes beyond mere aesthetics, leveraging the very essence of how we perceive and interpret the world around us. 

Coming to you from Matt Day, this insightful video explores the complexities of this choice, drawing inspiration from Joel Meyerowitz's book, "A Question of Color." Day shares his personal journey as a photographer who has primarily worked in black and white, highlighting its ability to distill a scene to its core elements of light, shadow, and composition. He appreciates the clean, distraction-free aesthetic that black and white offers, allowing him to focus on the interplay of light and form. 

However, Day also acknowledges the power of color photography when executed effectively. He describes the way color can evoke emotions, transport viewers to a specific moment in time, and create a more immersive experience. He notes that while black and white often feels like an observation of life, color photography can make you feel like a participant in the scene.

The video goes beyond simply praising the work of Meyerowitz, talking about the philosophical questions surrounding the choice between color and black and white. Day emphasizes the importance of intentionality in photography, suggesting that limiting yourself to one or the other can help you develop a clearer vision and approach to your work. He encourages experimentation and exploration, urging viewers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each medium and how they align with their own artistic goals. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Day.