Why Black-and-White Wedding Photos Work
What gives black-and-white photos their special effect? The first point is simple: color is absent. This has consequences for the entire image composition.
When black-and-white photos are well-executed, their message becomes more concentrated. An object or a person no longer stands out due to a striking color, but rather through placement within the frame, lighting, and the distribution of sharpness. In wedding photos, the couple can be separated from the background; emotions and events take center stage.
The statement that color is absent is correct — but not entirely: a warm black-and-white tone or another tonal treatment can additionally create mood and image impact.
Black-and-White or Color?
Those who know me understand that I’m not a fan of generalizations. Neither black-and-white nor color is always the right choice. A yellow rapeseed field under a blue sky might appear more striking in color. An intimate kiss during the wedding ceremony might possibly benefit from being colorless.
Ultimately, it’s also a matter of taste. I enjoy black-and-white wedding photos just as much as colorful ones, and I’m happy to offer both.
These reflections arose during a wedding on May 17, 2014, in Bergisch Gladbach.
