The number one benefit of black and white (bw) photography is the timeless emotion it evokes. It tugs at the heart strings whatever the storyline – a beautiful landscape, an expecting mother, a dog in the park, a fashion queen, a candid celebration, a homeless misfortune, etc. It wraps you in the story of the image even if for only a moment. High contrast bw images typically represent more modern times or are meant to evoke a stronger emotion. Low contrast bw images usually capture the nostalgia of past decades or evoke a softer emotion. I generally prefer to capture higher contrast bw photos but am just as easily engulfed when I see a great low contrast capture. Below are some bw images I’ve taken or created in post-production throughout my career. Notice the sharp highlights and deep shadows that develop the higher contrast. What emotions do they evoke in you?
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