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Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Ok, I've been wondering this for a long time, and I'm trying to find a way of saying this without seeming condescending or judgmental. But I really am curious. For me it has never really been a consideration, once I discovered large format color negative film and decided to stop trying to be an Adams or Weston, I knew color would be my preferred medium. Almost all of the photographers I look up to shoot color, the only real exception being Hiroshi Sugimoto. Now, I am not saying that I have anything against black and white, but that for the type of work I do I have no desire to shoot it. And this in turn leads to my preference for viewing color photographs too.
So, in an attempt at understanding, why do you choose to shoot black and white over color? Is it for aesthetic reasons such as adding a layer of abstraction? Is it process oriented, ie. you like developing and printing in a traditional darkroom? Or because black and white materials are cheaper? Do you think of things in black and white, focusing more on shape, tone, and texture than color? Is it based on the subject matter you tend to shoot?
Also, if you shoot both black and white and color, how do you decide which to use for a particular subject? If you are putting together a body of work (say for an exhibition) how do you mix the two? Or do you? Do you feel ok putting a black and white print next to a color print? Or do you think of them as separate things that cannot be mixed in a series or show?
Sorry for the long winded question, but as a devout color shooter I am just trying to understand......
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I believe Black and White silver print materials have better archival properties.
though I am now working with colour neg for tri colour carbons so the argument would then be silly as carbon pigments are very good.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I shoot both, about half and half. As to which I use for a given photograph, it depends on what I'm trying to accomplish. If I'm trying to show the underlying textures and visual rhythms of a scene, then color can camouflage exactly what I'm trying to expose. On the other hand, if the subject is about color or the relationships between colors, then color is the only way to go.
So... is your photograph about the shape of the clouds, or the color of the sky?
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
B&W is art. Color is illustration.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
The short answer is, I shoot B&W because I prefer B&W. Why do you shoot color? It's not a simple question to answer, and Im not convinced we always know the answers to these kinds of questions. I could regurgitate arguments I've read that seem cogent, or cite precedents that validate the choice, in my mind, or share anecdotes about my formative years, but none would necessarily represent an accurate basis for my preference. Maybe the choice is a simple one for others, but it's not for me. Probably not the response you were hoping for.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
For a long time I've always shot a mixture of B&W and color. It is always a little tricky trying to figure out how to display my images. I shoot similar whether I'm using color or B&W and obviously get very different results with each. I really like that I can make fiber prints in my darkroom, but at the same time, I'd rather be out taking photographs than in the dark dealing with chemistry.
Color has an additional creative layer. I find it more challenging than B&W. When I'm looking at other mediums (painting, sculpture, drawings, etc) I'm always more drawn to and impressed by the color work. Interesting color is just as important as composition in my opinion.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
People see color differently -- color blindness, or just differently. B&W thus tends to be a bit more universal, but there are plenty of exceptions.
I find that a great majority of people using color material do not actually use color effectively in their composition -- just like the majority of B&W photographers fail to use light (light intensity?) effectively in composition.
Fortunately, most of the folks here seem to either of both much better than the average.
Vaughn
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I've known several photographers who have a really good eye for color. I don't. We envy each other.
Give me line, structure, contrast in black-and-white. I do shoot color. I like it almost monochromatic, like b&w. Can't help it.
Peter Gomena
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
...why do you choose to shoot black and white over color?
We often got that question from students at school. Our standard answer was...
Black and white is a fantasy.
When someone sees a b&w photo, they know they've been transported into another place and time.
It's a unique art form, interpreting reality in a way that's not possible with more 'realistic' techniques.
- Leigh
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
When I was a kid, all my crayons were black and white. My sister took all the coloured ones. All my work in my formal training years (drawings, etchings, lithographs) was black/white. I guess I just feel more comfortable in a world of gray tones.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
To photograph color well, I think one must be acutely aware of color. By that I mean you must not just notice colorful things, but analyze the relationships of colors to each other within a composition, and understand how the color temperature, quality, and direction of light either accentuates or mutes these colors. The color of objects is an actual part of the finished package.
To photograph black and white well, I think one must be acutely aware of tonality and tonal relationships. This requires an understanding of how colors will translate to a grayscale, and relies more on the interpretation of things such as form, shape, motion, and texture to create an emotional impact, as color is no longer part of the equation.
One's choice between color or black and white is largely dependent upon what you wish notice when out photographing, or what photographers often refer to as how you wish to "see". I think if colors are of primary impact and enjoyment then one should work in color. If the beauty of tonal relationships is more important, then black and white.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
If you shoot both b/w and color, how do you decide which to use for a particular subject?
I enjoy shooting the landscape’s preference, which is usually wiser than my own.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
If you have to ask, you will never understand :-)
I just like black and white photos, I can relate to them. I know how I get from reality to a black and white image and when I see somebody else's photos, I run through the process backwards. I love to see in black and white. I walk down a street and see black and white images.
Color photos rarely have the magic of a good black and white photo. Or I just have a hard time seeing it. I also have a hard time translating reality to a color photograph of my own. For this matter I am thankful for digital photography, it gives me so much more control over the image. I never came to terms with color film.
Michael
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Color dosen't really exist. Oh, Kodak brought out color film some time the 20th century but until then, everything was in black and white. Color is just a passing fancy, I'm afraid. Sometime in the 1930s all the great paintings were colored in by WPA artists for continuity. Dogs, who neither make photographs or paint paintings still see only in B&W (with sepia toner, we're told) Proof that color doesn't exist! Should Kodak and Fuji discontinue color film, it is likely that color will dissappear much like last weeks pay, next months rent, Studebakers and real rock and roll.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I thought about the question for about 25 years. I grew up with black and white and trained in black and white, but that was never enough of an answer.
Color always got in the way of the texture. Think about the great faces from the Depression-era photos, then find the color photos made by those photographers and the color photos take your line of sight away from the subject. Walker Evans would be a good one to look at. Simple opinion: Pete Turner is the only photographer I know of who could shoot both the texture and the color successfully in one frame, but that was during the heyday of Kodachrome.
Having said all that, I have to shoot color everyday as a photojournalist and most of the time I see the image in black and white. It's a weird thing to explain at times, but black and white as a documentary and art tool tend to tell stories better than shooting in color simply because color exist.
Good luck with that ramble.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I don't "shoot B&W over color" nor, conversely, do I shoot color over B&W. Some images, I find, will simply work better in one than the other and there are those that will work in both. So I always carry both B&W and color with me.
Thomas
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
"Kodak makes 8x10 Portra special order"
"Kodak discontinues E-6"
Of course, Kodak has made all 8x10 film special order.
Do you know what it feels like buying the last 8x10 color film on the shelf? Knowing that you'll never see it there again? And there it sits in my fridge, waiting for the green leaves of spring. Waiting for a clear, sunny afternoon in Seattle, where I will photograph the Space Needle with Mt. Ranier in the background. Waiting for the sun to shine on Seattle in the evening.
Waiting.
70 sheets of Kodak. 70. And after that, no more Kodak color on the shelves. (No more Kodak black and white on the shelves. No 8x10 on the shelves again. Ever. "Goodbye, Old Paint. I'm-a leavin' Cheyenne.")
If I could, I'd have a ceremony of it. Pipes, drums, a seargant barking orders ("Puulllll slide! Cock shutter! reh-LEASE!"). A pageantry befitting such a format.
But I don't live in Scotland or Ireland. I live in the US West. I know of sagebrush and the foundations of ghost towns. Moose City, Idaho, thriving metropolis of zero. Places like that. Some still have some color, and some do not. It isn't their fault, but that's just the way it is. Wagon ruts, over 100 years old. People came, passed through, and only a memory of a memory remains.
Color is for the roses that still grow at an abandoned farmstead. How long ago did someone live there? Was it the 1930s when they left? How about the two-story house, aged to red, amidst dry wheat under a cobalt blue sky? Color is there, very much so.
Other places are black and white. Two trees, like a gate, leading to a mountain beyond. Black and white. Step through to another dimension.
Some things lend themselves to color, and some things don't. It all depends. But color is going. Disappearing. For how much longer will any E-6 be available? Depends on Fuji, and who knows what they will do.
So for as long as I can, I will use the color film, and then bid it adieu.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I really don't know... but here are some thoughts:
When you manipulate the photograph and in particular the tones people don't seem to ask "Is it photoshopped or you must have manipulated that.."
It is more fun...
I shoot in colour these days regardless and then process the scan into colour
Some photos just scream colour, but I don't seem to want to take them any more
BW is easier to print as a photogravure
I love sepia & toning
I love being able to steer the viewer around the photograph via tones and lines...
I love it
It just feels right
I do sometimes do colour too
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I see in color. For me, color photography would be like working 15 hour days then coming home to talk to my wife about work for a few hours before bed.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I shoot both. Which I choose depends on not only whether or not I'm emphasizing color relationships versus tone, but also the mood I'm trying to convey. When I look at two photographs of the same scene, one in black and white and one in color but otherwise the same, the black and white image automatically puts me into a detached mood in comparison. It's like my brain is telling me "ah, this isn't reality, I need to look at this differently". Conversely I find that the same image in color often provides greater emotional impact. From a workflow perspective, I usually make a black and white version of my color images that gets applied as a contrast layer.
The solo exhibition that is my house has b+w and color separated. A wall will either be b+w or color, but not both.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Even when I shoot color, I try to find a way to make it black and white. IN the early days of digital cameras for news work, we were taught how to take an image from the old AP NC2000e and convert it to black and white by eliminating the noisiest channel. I still do that today with the modern cameras. The old school types, which means old photographers, had to think in terms of black and white because we worked in it. Now, we just deal with the decision as best we can: johnflavell.com (no 'www')
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
because it is less expensive and easier to process
and if i have to .. i can add color later ..
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
I shoot almost exclusively colour. Even when I did shoot black and white, it was consciously training for colour.
But. Almost all my favourite photographers work in B+W.
I think it's something to do with a strong sense of form, and particularly a feeling for the drawn line. Most colour photographers let the colour take over, or compose with patches or with blocks of texture. The sense of gesture and interpretation I get from my favourite colour painters (Kandinsky and Klee, for starters) is missing. B+W makes these things easier because you can create relationships or counterpoint between tones that do not match or contrast with each other in anything like the same way when seen in colour.
Sometimes though, the sort of deadpan colour work that people here mostly like to deride, does succeed in raising itself to a Siskind or Brett Weston level of composition. Usually though, the formality is less obvious, or less sublime, so a degree of receptiveness and openness is required of the viewer.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses thus far! It's very insightful.
A few comments/responses:
Bob Carnie: "I believe Black and White silver print materials have better archival properties." Absolutely, this is a very good point, plus there is something beautifully tactile in expertly crafted B&W fiber print that is lacking in every color (even traditional darkroom) print I have ever made.
Bruce Watson: "so... is your photograph about the shape of the clouds, or the color of the sky?" Interesting question and I understand where it is coming from. However, personally for my work I don't think of it this way. The subject of my photographs are not colors. I want to represent reality and not get distracted by the materiality of the process. So I guess I shoot color because its there, its how I see, and it seems natural to me. To negate color (use B&W) seems like a conscious departure from reality to me. Which is not what I am attempting with my work.
Greg Lockrey: "B&W is art. Color is illustration." This seems very generalized and inflammatory. Care to explain in greater length what you intend by this statement?
Vaughn: "People see color differently -- color blindness, or just differently. B&W thus tends to be a bit more universal,..." This is a very interesting point. Visual communication (in this case photography) can generally be thought of as a more universal form of communication than verbal or written language. There are of course exceptions, as cultures do interpret visual queues differently, but I can see how it may be possible that B&W could be a bit more universal....interesting.....
"I find that a great majority of people using color material do not actually use color effectively in their composition -- just like the majority of B&W photographers fail to use light (light intensity?) effectively in composition." Agreed, there are a lot of ineffective photographs out there, both color and B&W.
Leigh: "Black and white is a fantasy. When someone sees a b&w photo, they know they've been transported into another place and time." Interesting point. And it seems true to me, especially your comment about time. Personally, I can't help but see the decision to shoot B&W as a form of nostalgia. It always reminds me of the past, but that's not to say that nostalgia cannot be a very powerful and effective tool.
Duane Polcou: "One's choice between color or black and white is largely dependent upon what you wish notice when out photographing, or what photographers often refer to as how you wish to "see". I think if colors are of primary impact and enjoyment then one should work in color. If the beauty of tonal relationships is more important, then black and white." Well put! This seems pretty spot on to me.
Michael E: "If you have to ask, you will never understand :-)" Ha! this is probably very true, I have resigned myself to not understanding a lot of things.
John Kasaian: "Should Kodak and Fuji discontinue color film, it is likely that color will dissappear much like last weeks pay, next months rent, Studebakers and real rock and roll." Ha! This is what I am worried about.....less the Studebakers, and more the discontinuation of color film.....
ohn Flacell: "It's a weird thing to explain at times, but black and white as a documentary and art tool tend to tell stories better than shooting in color simply because color exist." So black and white tells a story better because its separate from reality? The black and white photograph becomes something apart from the thing itself? I can see this point of view but have to respectfully disagree. Personally, I find the lack of color in a photograph distracting from the story. Where as a color photograph is what I am used to seeing and that makes it easier for me to focus on the subject matter rather than the materials and process. But, I suppose it has a lot to do with the particular story you are trying to tell...
Brian C Miller: "Kodak makes 8x10 Portra special order." "Kodak discontinues E-6." "Of course, Kodak has made all 8x10 film special order." I don't think this has happened yet has it? I believe 8x10 Portra is still readily available......but I guess I could have missed something...
"So for as long as I can, I will use the color film, and then bid it adieu." And then what? ....this is my concern too, will I start shooting B&W? I don't know, I sort of doubt it. But I have a lot invested in my LF system and scanner....so who knows. Either way it will be a long time before a digital back capable of what I want will be readily available to me.
Scott Walker: "I see in color. For me, color photography would be like working 15 hour days then coming home to talk to my wife about work for a few hours before bed." Nice analogy, so again B&W represents a departure from reality. And that is the incentive for shooting it.
John Rodriguez: "When I look at two photographs of the same scene, one in black and white and one in color but otherwise the same, the black and white image automatically puts me into a detached mood in comparison. It's like my brain is telling me "ah, this isn't reality, I need to look at this differently". Once again a departure from reality. For my work I try to avoid detachment from reality, so I guess it makes sense that I shoot color. I don't believe it can be argued that any photograph is not a departure from reality, but a B&W seems like a greater departure than color. I guess color is just enough removed to suit my needs, while depending others may desire more.
Thanks again for all your thoughtful responses! Keep them coming!
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Color tells us what things look like. B&W tells us what they felt like (I have no idea if that's true but it sounds good to me).
These days I photograph in color most of the time because I use a digital camera a lot and I find that I can't see in b&w when I have color capability in the camera. And I enjoy color and appreciate a good color photograph. But to me there's nothing in photography as beautiful as a really well-made b&w print.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
''Greg Lockrey: "B&W is art. Color is illustration." This seems very generalized and inflammatory. Care to explain in greater length what you intend by this statement?''
Art is about inflaming.... Illustration is about recording....
What Brian said....
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Leigh
Black and white is a fantasy....
It's a unique art form, interpreting reality in a way that's not possible with more 'realistic' techniques.
You nailed it, Leigh. B&W is uniquely photographic, and distinguishes itself from, say, painting just by being monochrome. Even when people paint in shades of gray, it looks photographic (if they do it well enough). It gives the photographic medium a raison d'être.
With color, which is most of what I have done for the last couple of decades, the question always has to be asked, "what makes this image photographic, and would painting have been a better medium?" It's not an easy question for me to answer, though better artists are able to.
Rick "a mediocre artist easing back to black and white to avoid having to answer that question" Denney
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
It amazes me how insecure photographers are about their art work. "Is black and white more artistic then color?" "Am I more of an artist because I develop myself?". Maybe it's feelings of insecurity because you're not painting?
Most of my artistic background comes from music. I played guitar in metal bands when I was younger, then DJ'd professionally during the rave scene hay days in San Francisco. In the music world you hear the same sort of insecure comments from veteran DJs now - "I'm more of an artist because I use vinyl instead of computers". My response is A) you're still not playing an instrument b) it doesn't effing matter - do you enjoy what you do? Do others? GREAT!. I hear the same thing from guys that play in punk bands - they look down on electronic musicians because they "don't play real instruments". Dude, you're whole musical movement was based on getting completely AWAY from the virtuosity of hard rock, and you can't play a decent solo to save your life. However, it doesn't effing matter. Just enjoy your art, and let others enjoy theirs. Your art is no better.
By contrast, my friends that are comfortable with their musical abilities tend to be much more open minded about other forms of music creation. A guy that plays metal has no problem jamming with a jazz musician, or an electronic one. They just want to play anything they can get their hands on.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
John Rodriguez
It amazes me how insecure photographers are about their art work. "Is black and white more artistic then color?" "Am I more of an artist because I develop myself?". Maybe it's feelings of insecurity because you're not painting?
Most of my artistic background comes from music. I played guitar in metal bands when I was younger, then DJ'd professionally during the rave scene hay days in San Francisco. In the music world you hear the same sort of insecure comments from veteran DJs now - "I'm more of an artist because I use vinyl instead of computers". My response is A) you're still not playing an instrument b) it doesn't effing matter - do you enjoy what you do? Do others? GREAT!. I hear the same thing from guys that play in punk bands - they look down on electronic musicians because they "don't play real instruments". Dude, you're whole musical movement was based on getting completely AWAY from the virtuosity of hard rock, and you can't play a decent solo to save your life. However, it doesn't effing matter. Just enjoy your art, and let others enjoy theirs. Your art is no better.
By contrast, my friends that are comfortable with their musical abilities tend to be much more open minded about other forms of music creation. A guy that plays metal has no problem jamming with a jazz musician, or an electronic one. They just want to play anything they can get their hands on.
I never met an ''artist'' who had to describe his art in terms of what pencil he draws with or the brand of paint or brushes. Photographers on the other hand are "craft" oriented and the detail is in the materials.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
For me, the world of photography is a black and white one.
But I still love color.
I always liked Irving Penn's pix taken of native tribes in Africa. Printed and reproduced everywhere in black and white.
Then I ran across a Vogue magazine, 1970ish, and saw them as they were first published -- in color. And wow, those photos sang in a beautiful new way.
I devote a chapter to the subject of black and white v. color in my book.
Question: How many of you have had someone look at one of your black and white photographs and remarked, "Too bad it's not in color!"
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
William McEwen
Question: How many of you have had someone look at one of your black and white photographs and remarked, "Too bad it's not in color!"
That's because they are idiots!
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Greg Lockrey
That's because they are idiots!
Are you calling my twin sister an idiot? :D
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
William McEwen
Are you calling my twin sister an idiot? :D
only if I can take her in a fight.... :) :)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
In 1987 or so I photographed a woman named Vicki. I used a Rolleiflex (sorry!) and shot on Tri-X.
A few days later I gave her a contact sheet and said let me know if you want any prints.
She told me she'd talk to her mom, and she'd want the prints to be in color.
I gave her the bad news that there's no way to get color prints from black and white negs.
A few days later Vicki told me, negs 3, 5, 7, (or whatever) and that she wanted them in color.
I said, "Vicki, there's no way to get color prints from black and white negs."
She said, "I KNOW you said that, but my mom said you was wrong."
(Forgive me if I've already told you that story, and for you hand-coloring folks, forgive me for my stance.)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Greg Lockrey
only if I can take her in a fight.... :) :)
She's a lovely woman and you'd change your mind if you met her. :)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
William McEwen
She's a lovely woman and you'd change your mind if you met her. :)
I'm looking.... ;) ;)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Greg Lockrey: "Art is about inflaming.... Illustration is about recording....
What Brian said...."
Brian Ellis: "Color tells us what things look like. B&W tells us what they felt like (I have no idea if that's true but it sounds good to me)"
Thanks Greg for the reply. From my experience this is a fairly widespread belief. However, I still take some issue with it. No photograph is actually what something 'looks like.' While color may be closer to what we expect from "reality" I believe it is just a better disguised departure from reality. However, I will not argue that B&W is 'more' of a departure from reality than color.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Greg Lockrey: "I never met an ''artist'' who had to describe his art in terms of what pencil he draws with or the brand of paint or brushes. Photographers on the other hand are "craft" oriented and the detail is in the materials."
I totally agree that this is the case, and see it as a problem. When displaying my photographs I have no interest in describing my process, materials, or technique. However, that is what a lot of viewers want to know....especially those with DSLR's around their neck. It should be all about the works subject matter....but in photography there are often other distractions.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
Greg Lockrey: "Art is about inflaming.... Illustration is about recording....
What Brian said...."
Brian Ellis: "Color tells us what things look like. B&W tells us what they felt like (I have no idea if that's true but it sounds good to me)"
Thanks Greg for the reply. From my experience this is a fairly widespread belief. However, I still take some issue with it. No photograph is actually what something 'looks like.' While color may be closer to what we expect from "reality" I believe it is just a better disguised departure from reality. However, I will not argue that B&W is 'more' of a departure from reality than color.
Ok.... if it's pinhole and in color I'll call it "art".... :)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
Greg Lockrey: "I never met an ''artist'' who had to describe his art in terms of what pencil he draws with or the brand of paint or brushes. Photographers on the other hand are "craft" oriented and the detail is in the materials."
I totally agree that this is the case, and see it as a problem. When displaying my photographs I have no interest in describing my process, materials, or technique. However, that is what a lot of viewers want to know....especially those with DSLR's around their neck. It should be all about the works subject matter....but in photography there are often other distractions.
it didn't start with dSLR's Guys with Leicas have been comparing images to 4x5's from the start. Photography is more about the "craft" than about "art". Photographers want to think of themselves as artists and try to overlook the craft to call it art when in reality it is just the opposite. Just as learning to draw is a craft too. Art is something else entirely.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
William McEwen: "Question: How many of you have had someone look at one of your black and white photographs and remarked, "Too bad it's not in color!"
Interesting question....as I counter point I have never had anyone look at my color photographs and say they with they were B&W. However, I have had a grant proposal rejected on the basis that my work was not 'art,' but was merely documentation and exercise in composition. (note: I should have known that a organization with the word 'craft' in their name would prefer the photographer that shot collodian wet plate images of their grandmother in a white dress in an abandoned house to my large color inkjet prints.....). Each is entitled to their opinion....and I am very entrenched in my own.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
William McEwen: "Question: How many of you have had someone look at one of your black and white photographs and remarked, "Too bad it's not in color!"
Interesting question....as I counter point I have never had anyone look at my color photographs and say they with they were B&W. However, I have had a grant proposal rejected on the basis that my work was not 'art,' but was merely documentation and exercise in composition. (note: I should have known that a organization with the word 'craft' in their name would prefer the photographer that shot collodian wet plate images of their grandmother in a white dress in an abandoned house to my large color inkjet prints.....). Each is entitled to their opinion....and I am very entrenched in my own.
That's because most people understand "illustration" and confuse it with "art". Each requires a certain level of "craft". Both have their place.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Greg Lockrey: "Photography is more about the "craft" than about "art". Photographers want to think of themselves as artists and try to overlook the craft to call it art when in reality it is just the opposite. Just as learning to draw is a craft too. Art is something else entirely."
Again a very generalized statement. I see what your getting at but totally disagree. Photography can be art, but is not necessarily. Its all about intent. This kind of comes back to, I believe it was Weston, who demanded to be called a "photographer" instead of an "artist," somehow implying that they former is more valid. Personally I think that whole discussion is irrelevant, some photographers do it for the craft (craftsmen), and others do it to say something (artists). This distinction has nothing to do with chosen materials. And while I place myself firmly in the latter, I will not waste my time trying to convince anyone else of this. Its a pointless pursuit.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
"Art is concerned about space. Illustration is concerned about things." - Martha, Michael A. Smith's first wife.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
adam satushek
Greg Lockrey: "Photography is more about the "craft" than about "art". Photographers want to think of themselves as artists and try to overlook the craft to call it art when in reality it is just the opposite. Just as learning to draw is a craft too. Art is something else entirely."
Again a very generalized statement. I see what your getting at but totally disagree. Photography can be art, but is not necessarily. Its all about intent. This kind of comes back to, I believe it was Weston, who demanded to be called a "photographer" instead of an "artist," somehow implying that they former is more valid. Personally I think that whole discussion is irrelevant, some photographers do it for the craft (craftsmen), and others do it to say something (artists). This distinction has nothing to do with chosen materials. And while I place myself firmly in the latter, I will not waste my time trying to convince anyone else of this. Its a pointless pursuit.
Ok... how about this: a "photographer" is a mechanically inclined "artist" .... ;) ;)
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
William McEwen
"Art is concerned about space. Illustration is concerned about things." - Martha, Michael A. Smith's first wife.
I ditto that....
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
Greg Lockrey: "Ok... how about this: a "photographer" is a mechanically inclined "artist" .... " Totally, I agree that they should be....I have seen work that suffers greatly from a lack of mechanical inclination. There is not doubt in my mind that to be a successful photographer one must be somewhat mechanically inclined, its probably part of the reason many of us gravitate toward photography in the first place.
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Re: Why do you shoot Black and White over Color?
William McEwen: "Art is concerned about space. Illustration is concerned about things." - Martha, Michael A. Smith's first wife.
Interesting quote...I'm curious if you might elaborate what you understand it as meaning. I ask because I am having a bit of a hard time deciphering it. I guess I don't understand the distinction between 'space' and 'things.' The way I see it 'things' are just solidified 'space'....and 'space' is just that which is void of 'things.' This may be another discussion........