Landscape Photography - Why black and white?

Black an white landscape photography is a favourite genre of photography of mine but why? In this video I explain the main reasons why
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#landscapephotography #blackandwhitephotography
Music supplied by EpidemicSound

[@lensman5762]

Black and White is the soul of photography. This is how photography was born. It is at its best when mood allows expression of one's mind. It is a sureal world far apart from the realism and distraction of colour. Long may it last, particulary analogue B&W photography. Absolutely beautiful photographs you have shown us Mr Burns. I thank you.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks very much for your comment and of course you are right, BW is the soul and origin of photography! Gratitude all round 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

Well said @lensman! You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@Millicente]

I disagree. There is no soul of photography when it comes to how it looks. If there is anything that could be called a soul, it's capturing a scene and seeing it again later as it was when it was captured. I can understand its allure since it reduces an image and makes you focus on specific things, but it's no more soulful or special than a color picture that encapsulates the scene in its entirety. Of course if you just like black and white pictures more than color pictures that's a personal taste. I like eating salads without dressing because I can taste the individual vegetables more, but most people enjoy the combination of dressing and the salad as a whole. Neither is more special as a salad.

[@lensman5762]

@@Millicente You have the right to disagree. But just to educate you a little, it has nothing to do with all that nonsense of concenterating on the subject and so and on, but for the simple reason that no other type of photography has the potential to invoke so much emotion as does B&W. Photographic history is full of such photographs. I engourage you to look beyond the obvious.

[@lensman5762]

@@dragonrain3343 I do watch that channel from time to time.

[@leelindemann7729]

Thank you for leaving your photos on screen long enough to really have a bit of time to take them in. A lot of KZbinrs almost flash their work by like it’s a race-no time to let the eye travel through the photograph and pick out the details. Also, I appreciate your sense of humor-subtle as it may be. 😊

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

You know why they flash? Because they’re not very good!😁 I know what you mean and there’s got to be a balance. Appreciate it Lee, thank you 👍👍

[@richardnoll7119]

Black & White photography reduces chaos while highlighting motion. It’s those roots that are grounded and brings lasting joy to eye.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Indeed. You are of course right Richard 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I'm drawn to black and white photography (I really should do more) - my favourite photos of yours are the moody black-and-white images. Have a great Christmas!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Russ. Make it a resolution in the new year ! All the best to you

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@vincentkeith5259]

Color can be a powerful emotional trigger, but it's one with very limited control - twist it too much one way or another and we no longer believe. Remove belief and you lose emotion. Removing color takes us one step further from reality where we can't depend on pretty colors to create emotion, yet we remain in the realm of belief. All that's left to convey the experience of that moment is composition and tone. You can twist tone much harder than color when it's needed to express your vision

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Great words Vincent and I very much agree with what you say. You can overdo the saturation and vibrancy to an extent where it becomes odd. Such more skill I feel with black and white photography when done well. Many Thanks

[@BuckTravis]

❤

[@skyaqua776]

I love!!!black and white photography. Thank you.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

You are not on your own! Thanks 👍👍

[@JamieOverland]

You are a very moody photographer, but you're a bloody good moody photographer! Some lovely new mono's here for your collection. Happy Christmas to you mate - hope the lad gets that new camera he asked Santa for!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

That’s very kind you Jamie. Have a great Xmas buddy. I’d rather he have his own camera than have his hands on mine! Lots of love from The Grinch😬👍👍

[@Mc007Queen]

I like the darker black in black and white photos .. it makes you look at the entire picture .. no color in one place to draw your eye to one place you got to look at the whole scene .. I got a lot of Color Film I only have one roll of ilford Delta Pro ... I'll have to pick up more

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks. You could argue that a part of the photo which has a high contrast will also draw your eye when it comes to black n white.

[@abrahamprem001]

I am glad your video has shown up in the recommendation and I am a newbie to photography. I resonate with black and white and I absolutely agree with you. Thanks, James. Subscribed.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you very much Abraham

[@theblazephotography]

BW PHOTOGRAPHY means imaging in greyscale in a colorful world, which is not easy. Awesome! An excellent job has been done thanks for sharing have a nice day.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you. Muchly appreciated 👍👍

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Once again some fine atmospheric photos James and a thoughtful presentation.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks Geoff

[@JimBracher]

Very wonderful images. Thank you for sharing them.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks Jim 👍👍

[@stevemozzie6497]

Have a cracking Christmas and thanks for all the amazing vlogs you've made during the year.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Steve and your support. Merry Xmas

[@Jparkss]

Great video! I’ve always had a “thing” for black and white photos. I would always take pictures and edited them into black and white when I would post on my story on instagram. When I got my Pentax Mx-1 and Nikon d200 I started to take a lot more black and white photos more and I love the way it gives off a “story” compared to colored images.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

BW is timeless and can have so much more impact if the subject and edit is right. Thanks for your thoughts and comment 👍👍

[@rawvoltairephoto]

I love your work Congratulations 👍👍👍

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks. That’s good to hear 👍👍

[@なつみかん-h2d]

I always asked myself. Why do I like B&W photography??? There is no a reason.I found the answer by looking at your photos. I just like B&W photography. Photos are so limitless. Sorry！My English is terrible. I‘ve been studying English . Thank you very much.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Your English is not terrible! It makes very clear sense. You are right, It is hard to say why black and white is popular and just by saying you like it from by looking at the photography is all that is needed. Thank you very much and good luck with the studies 👍👍

[@iaincphotography6051]

I am amazed you stayed upright on the Pave in the snow. Yes you answered the question, I reckon I do 50/50 these days both have their own merits. A good set of shots James.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Funnily enough it made me be more careful😁 50/50 is good, I’m definitely more around 70/30. Cheers Iain 👍👍

[@nickreid8927]

Agree James, ultimately it's about mood...it's like music, also the fact that you can quite often capture a great black and white shot when a colour shot just isn't there to be captured.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

All very true. Many Thanks 👍👍

[@thomask1437]

Wow thanks for the quick reply. Great work. I enjoyed your videos. I love black and white.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

You’re welcome

[@jhenline7813]

Snow!! You were brave walking on that pavement James!! Loved all the black and whites and yes, the mood that you captured. Colour can be a distraction. Mono shows all the textures and shapes. It’s what I shoot all the time, film photographer that I am. Hope you enjoy your Christmas and have time to get out with your camera.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks very much. Snow made it slightly easier to be fair. Black and white is the way. All the best to you in the new year 👍👍

[@adambaileyshow361]

The photos are gorgeous.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you Adam👍👍

[@ML-rm3vk]

Sir you are right mood in black and white is it . Cheers

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank You very much 👍👍

[@vedadkucukalic]

very nice and moody

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you 👍👍

[@The58stupot]

Mood and emotion. Bang on there James, and stunning work as always. B+W for me too my friend.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Cheers Stuart. There’s something so satisfying about the genre 👍👍

[@jamesdecross1035]

Excellent photographs, here. Interesting discussion, too. Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you James. Glad you enjoyed 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

James, You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@danielattias1525]

Thank you James, your work is exceptional....

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Really appreciate that Daniel, thank you 👍👍

[@mkshffr4936]

Choice of emulsion opens up another creative tool such as Ortho v.s. Pan.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Righteo. I’ll take your word for it

[@mkshffr4936]

@@JamesRBurnsVLOG 😊 The limited spectral response of Ortho chromatic emulsions alters the tonal balance in foliage and often makes the sky an empty whiteness which accentuates other terrestrial features kind of like fog can.

[@jameshoward9700]

Got me thinking, that. Thanks.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Good to hear James, thank you 👍

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

When i got my first SLR back in 1982, i hated black and white, now 40 years later, i love the mood that black and white offers and can instantly decide if a black and white shot would be better than colour

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Its definitely a genre that grows on you. Thanks for your comment and long may the moody photos continue 👍👍

[@MarkRomine]

Always wonderful! Thx James!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Mark, appreciate it 👍👍

[@PedroLeitao]

interesting video!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

It’s an interesting subject👍

[@TeeNorbu]

Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

My pleasure

[@jorgemoro5476]

I have my Fuji 50r and 100s to color and my Leica Q2 is ALWAYS in BW

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

That’s a good approach is it works for you. Thanks Jorge👍👍

[@stephenlumsden280]

Good one. Saltaire is a good spot which I visit myself and I have yet to take a colour picture there. I agree with everything you say. I actually think color can be a lot more difficult in capturing a certain atmosphere as there are more variables involved

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Stephen. Saltaire just fits with B&W given it’s classic bye gone era. Nothing wrong with colour but another variable as you say and certain colours work better together than others

[@mike747436]

Abstraction. That and the pleasure of creating a print in the darkroom, for me anyway.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Sounds like a good reason for me though not really give into the full abstract approach. Cheers Mike 👍👍

[@derekwillson2538]

Well done dude, excellent shots, stay moody it’s working for you!👍

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Cheers Derek. I don’t have to try hard to be moody 😶😬

[@bopiyeff]

Great video! Thank you for sharing of your thoughts

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks very much 👍👍

[@jonesnax]

Really lovely minimal images. Where I live, I find it very hard to find these simple lines...

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks. Maybe consider close up work

[@keithratcliffe5576]

An insighful video illustrated by some great mono images. I so like those urban ones. Something that I noted was the difference that mono made to the sheep. At 3:20 in your piece to camera there is a sheep in the snowy scene and it dominates because it is a greenish grey, however the still at 7:55 also includes a sheep but it blends into the image. Even a small element of colour in a snowy image steals the scene.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you Keith. Totally agree sheep are not the best subject for black and white😁 Colour also plays a big part when creating contrast, especially the right combination. All the best to you Keith 👍👍

[@costelloandsilke7321]

Top quality work.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks 👍😬

[@marycarron5118]

Thanks for a very inspirational video, James. I agree with all your reasons for choosing black and white but I don't choose that option often enough so you have inspired me to do more. I found your channel during the year and I love your images. Enjoy the holidays.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you Mary. You should definitely try black and white, it may make you think differently. Try changing the picture style to monochrome if it allows you to. Hope you’re enjoying the channel so far. Take care and Merry Xmas 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@stevenchivers5787]

Hi James. For me bow is all about lack of distraction and everything becomes about the subject and the image. I can’t say regards from the desert anymore as I have moved back to Plymouth in UK. All the best Steve

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Cheers Steve and yes, you are absolutely right about the distraction element. A slightly cooler climate then now 👍👍

[@stuarthirsch]

Love B&W photography. Anyone who has ever taken film and printed the old fashion way really loves B&W. Most great photographs of the 19th and 20th century are B&W. So classy and can make an otherwise boring picture into something spectacular. Color is great for many things but I am going to do a lot more B&W photography. Another thing I will try is taking most of my cell phone pictures in B&W. Should turn out better than color because of the small sensor and small lens.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

We share the same sentiments Stuart. BW photography just gives it that edge and as you say, classic feel. Never considered BW for the phone. Interesting. Thanks for watching 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@GeirBakkenVestfold]

I love your video, beautiful images!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Many Thanks Geir 👍👍

[@thevalleywalker]

Some fabulous images in this discussion re B&WJames. I think your reason of "mood" I would agree with 98% of the time but recently I shot a video in all B&W and had just one colour image in the video.. and it proved to the most popular one of the viudeo methinks.. Have a great Christmas. atb Alan

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Alan and hope you had a good Xmas. BW can often be the wrong choice for the subject and colour visa versa. All the best for the new year 👍👍

[@kenblair2538]

Great video, James. Some of the same reasons, I too shoot in B&W. Strippi g away the color focuses more on the image. Thanks, KB

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Ken, good minds think a like 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@chriswardphotobooks]

Personally I take mostly black and white because it's closer to how I think about a scene, plus there's so much more you can do when editing compared to a colour image. As an aside, they're all good images but the one at 5:12 is particularly stunning. If you're ever interested in selling a print of it I'd love to put it on my wall.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks for the comment Chris. It’s true about the editing as you’re less conscious of how true the colours are showing. Prints maybe in store for next year 👍👍

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@mamiyapress]

Have you seen the video by Homer Sykes and his B&W images of Saltaire ?

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

No I haven’t. I may have to take a look now

[@MeAMuse]

I often shoot in black and white (I may call myself a whore for black and white). Personally I think with B&W you are forced to make more compelling images... because without the allure of color... you are forced to focus on light, textures and shapes. Personally I like to reserve color for photos where color is either the story, or an essential part. I think the weird thing is though that I can't commit to B&W. I want the option for color.... I can't commit to one of those monochrome cameras...

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Dean for a well thought out comment. Of course you are right, take out the colour, you are left with other options. Always good to leave your options open but I am definitely drawn more to monochrome 👍👍

[@lourdesgyan]

I absolutely agree with everything you say. Everything can have a surreal meaning and intent, where bw or colour. While I find black white easier to express some of my themes of motion, timelessness, colour sometimes works in building a kaleidoscope of feeling.

[@dragonrain3343]

You may enjoy a KZbin channel called “Black and White Profusion” it has all these amazing old school (and new) b&w photographers work

[@thomask1437]

What type camera do you use and is it film or digital . Does it have a blank and white setting

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Hello Thomas. I have a digital Canon R6 and yes it does. Thank you

[@KGeorge-1]

I'm glad I read all the great comments you rec'd James so I wouldn't repeat them in mine. So, in adding one comment that I didn't see is, their any many many shots to be taken that wouldn't look good at all in color! No AI or LR tricks in post process just good old B&W that pops all by itself. Basically untouched right out of camera and of course a GOOD eye like you clearly have!!! Thank you for this video!

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you Kevin, black and white does not fit for all scenes and careful selection is important 👍👍

[@hanskehanske]

A question: “how to exposure for black and white photo’s ? ETTL or ETTR….wich is better for mood?

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

A well balanced histogram is important for both colour and black n white. The magic begins in post. Personally however, ETTR. Thanks 👍👍

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Expose To The Left or Expose To The Right for anyone who doesn’t know

[@hanskehanske]

@@JamesRBurnsVLOG Thank you for your answer!

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

isn't it funny tho how people love black and white photos but don't seem to share that love when it comes to video...🤔...are we just used to it being that way? I wonder if you vlogged in B&W, like I do, anyone would complain...just a random thought.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

It has crossed my mind but I just feel there has still to be some reality/ connection for the moving scenes and BW may lose that. The stills are the product of escape to BW from the real world

[@davidhillier6216]

There is a truth, a certainty, an absolute in Black and White. For me it leaves no doubt of the moment, subject, mood, of the particular place in time captured. Great works! Glad I stumbled across your channel. Cheers....

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

True words Dave. Appreciate the comment, thank you 👍👍

[@martyd5819]

When I first went into a darkroom 52 years ago I became hooked on b+w. So glad You Tube recommended your channel. Subscribed. Your images are wonderful.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thank you Marty. I’d love to have been part of the photography scene 50 plus years ago.

[@ShaunM-xw1em]

Hi James your thoughts and feelings on black and white photography definitely reflect my own. There's just such a pleasure in viewing a strong black and white image. I have so always enjoyed your black and white images. Enjoy the Christmas break.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Thanks Shaun. I do get a better reaction to a good black and white photograph than colour to be honest. All the best and Merry Xmas 👍👍

[@danielattias1525]

Hi Mate, whats better RAW or J PEG ??

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

RAW for those who have more time but do not underestimate what a modern camera can do and produce high quality JPEGs