Which do you prefer? Colour of Black and White...

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

Man, I love your T-Shirts. Especially the ones that say RUSH!

[@washingtonradio]

Short answer, both!. The aesthetic of each is different and thus emphasizes different aspects of the scene. Color tends to emphasize, to me, more of 'here and now' of the scene such as time of day, season, etc. while B&W seems, to me, more to emphasize a timeless permanency of the scene. Which is better, really neither. Which should I use depends more on my aesthetic goals with the image and my current goals are. For me, I probably experiment more with B&W as I primarily shoot color if for no other reason to have one more tool to use.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Excellent video. I love both of this picture.

[@howardtowler6146]

I Definitely prefer the black and white.

[@forrestproductions]

The B&W version allows the subject (the mountain) to take command of the image. It reminds me of images like Bruce Barnbaum's "Basin Mountain, Approaching Storm".

[@davidmedeiros7572]

“we can’t compare color photographs with bw photography… you’re not comparing like with like” Yes! Agree so much with this. I shoot mostly for BW processing, though I frequently edit images for both, not in search of a “best” result, but because there may be something about that scene that appeals to both methods for me. I got embroiled in a (mostly) civilized argument with another KZbin Photographer a while back about this very issue as he was promoting the idea we should only convert to BW when the BW version is somehow objectively superior to its color counterpart. I was honestly shocked at the idea that color and BW are ever seen as part of a mutually exclusive relationship with each other. Your take is refreshing! Cheers.

[@johnburrow4124]

Great video, friend! I hope you are well. Personally, I am a lover and maker of black and white photography. No question. You mention the impact of the black and white, and that is precisely why I like it better. It screams to be looked at while a color image requires a familiarity with the everyday: color. But your analysis as it is a different language and vocabulary is spot on. Because of its lack of time and color, it allows me to focus on the essence and emotional impact of the image itself. With color photography, as in your example from 2014 here, the trees are magnificent but the yellows are what make them fantastic whereas in the black and white image it is the tree itself that speaks for itself. Cheers!

[@dwrisdon2487]

I too grew up with BW film. Exotic film consisted of 300 ISO. With the advent of color and the endless possibilities in post-processing, we were seduced and drawn away from BW. Once again, you guide us back to our inner selves and force us to deal with feelings, imagination, affect. Bravo!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I would be more likely to hang the color version of this image in my home, because of its warm, welcoming tones. But as a pure work of art? The monochrome. I can feel winter cold much more with the monochrome than the color. The reeds, rather than glowing in autumnal gold, look like they're covered in hoarfrost. I can almost see my breath before my face. Each version has its own merits, but they are very, very different photographs just from their processing. Great illustration of your points, Alister.

[@williamtrentel5222]

We are about the same age so I laughed a little when you reflected back in time, color was a huge deal. As a graphic designer, producing full color ads or literature was reserved for the special big budget projects. Now I can't remember the last limited color ad I've created. The hidden take away I got from this video is that your style and taste will evolve and that's OK. So many people seem to be caught up in finding their "look" it will find you, you should be open to allowing it to evolve, don't put limits on your creative possibilities people.

[@johnmitchell6919]

Thank you Alistair. I have a photo of a graffitied Melbourne laneway at night. Maybe not quite everyone's taste but I love it in colour and in b&w (edited differently) but have been too focussed on which "version" is best. You have removed my dilemma in that they are not 'like with like. It's an unnecessary choice - l can love them both!

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, very happy to read that

[@JayGrapherTh]

love the perspective you share about this topic - do feel from past other videos - its about which subject one would like to show more. black and white shows the mountain more clearly as the main focus, while the color version seem to show the trees more. but you go deeper about the feeling of the image which is very interesting to think about as well.

[@holgerschmitz5634]

Well..... both of them!

[@micwarmington1]

it would be interesting alister if you did re-process the image now and share the result

[@andy_an_outdoors_guy]

I'm definitely drawn more to the black and white .. but I suspect that's because if my tastes and life context at the moment. fwiw, I've been enjoying experimenting with a two-tone process with my photos .. which starts by composing and adjusting for black and white .. then working color back in . enjoyed the video!

[@esanford]

Great discussion. A especially resonated with your comment that the color image included "time" as an element. The beauty for me is that I don't need to choose. Both of the images stand on their own just for the reasons that you articulated in the video. They both have the 5 tags, though the black & white, is not driven by color. However, as I've been thinking lately, blacks, whites and shades of gray are colors.

[@SimonWillig]

It's not a matter of comparison but I tend to discard the colour version - how beautiful it is! - because it is almost too much for my brain to comprehend.

[@randybottphotography]

The problem with black and white is most people create an image that is different shades of grey. You don't know what the focus of the image is. When done correctly, black and white is better than color depending on the image. It takes many hours of editing to create a good black and white. Not just hitting the black and white tab in Lightroom, moving some sliders and calling it good. But, art is subjective and everyone likes different things. The black and white version of your image is very well done. I know the focus is the peak in the background with all the contrast against the dark sky. Nice Job on the edit.

[@mike747436]

I started my photography journey with colour, specifically Velvia slide film. I now shoot almost exclusively b&w film and I print in the darkroom. I have found the b&w film process, from image capture to framed print on the wall, to be so much more satisfying than my previous hybrid film/digital colour process. I think both versions of your mountain shot work, but for different reasons as you say. The colour version is perhaps a tad too saturated for my liking, and the b&w a tad too dark, but maybe you would interpret them differently yourself if you were to work on them again, and we all have our own tastes anyway. Thanks for the interesting video.

[@just_a_quick_ride]

It feels as if this discussion goes beyond B&W vs colour, because (as you say) the colour image is processed in a very particular, possibly exuberant, way. It would be interesting to see colour and monochrome versions of the original as you would process them both today.

[@pbajzek]

This is more than a matter of aesthetic preference, but also of intention and meaning. Color is one of the cues we use to identify a “realistic” subject, and once we have mentally categorized it as a tree or rock, etc., many people will stop looking. For photographers who want to invest their photos with additional meaning, removing color cues creates a layer of abstraction, distancing viewers from the literal subject and inviting further examination and interaction with the image. Of course this is not the only path but it’s an important one that does not seem to be discussed often enough.

[@RobertTeague]

I never choose the black and white version. Oh, I've souped and shot a lot of B&W in my days - I've been doing this for 40+ years - but I don't see in B&W, and photography for me is about how I see the world, and not how to "commercialize" a pretty picture.

[@cantkeepitin]

Is there a counterproof for this Statement: BW looks very often that eather the photo is very old, or as if the scenary will never be present again in the dark future of mankind. This was at least my impression when visiting the show of a famous photograher from Brasil. ALL pictures look so sad.

[@nigelroberson8911]

You really need to shoot for B and W in the field rather than spend time later trying to find B and W images from those you “saw” in colour. Nice photos as always but I think the waffle spoils it.

[@simonstevens1631]

I'm a sucker for good black and white images. As you say there's merit in both. I have to say I'm for the black and white image. When you had both on the screen my eyes kept flicking to the black and white. It's what I'm drawn to. Contrast, luminosity and the classic style of a timeless image. All the best Alistair. Hope your trip goes great. Look forward to the content after.

[@shannonsnow8298]

Not a fan of black and white but this one is wonderful. The colour one, of course, is definitely my favourite- stunning!

[@mhill2510]

While color dominates, I prefer the Black and White one.

[@philippecarpentier801]

Bonjour Alistair, Je vous remercie beaucoup pour votre travail. Je vous suis depuis quelques mois, ce qui est une aide précieuse à la créativité. Dommage que vos livres ne soient pas traduit en français. Mes salutations les plus cordiales.

[@billgreen1140]

I prefer the BW by far.

[@jasonmordecai8212]

To me I’d prefer the highlights and luminous areas of the black and white on the coloured version. So if the reeds and the snow on the mountain 🏔 top we’re boosted in luminosity it would make the coloured image stand out that extra bit more. The coloured image doesn’t have those boosted areas and contrast given on the black and white version so for my taste it would have to be the black and white shot that takes the gold. But let’s just say if those luminous areas were boosted it would take that colour shot to the next level. After reading your book Alister it made me really concentrate on how luminosity and contrast really effects an image and how to add contrast to make it more dynamic and give that extra oomph. But I think contrast must be done in a well controlled manor and only applied in a subtle way

[@saxmangeoff]

I feel the same. The color version, if processed more like the B&W, would be my favorite.

[@Hirsutechin]

Well-expressed waffle as ever, Alister, but a much more thoughtful discussion of the colour vs B&W approaches to an image and a better contrast of the difference in the impact each have. It gives a much better rationale for each. Hope you have some lovely light for your workshop. 🙂

[@johncrossley-hall9366]

When was the last time you listened to Firth of Fifth?

[@Alister_Benn]

I saw Hackett live in November 2019, and possibly a couple of times since ❤️

[@karencarpenter7205]

Thank you for this. I loved both photos. I am a fan of black and white, I always have been. I find it more honest. I am only just learning about black and white in landscape as opposed to urban photography and portraits (which I don't take) and the more I see it in landscape, the more I like it. I use it a lot for macro as well. I am a beginner, I mostly use my phone because it is easier. I have not yet managed to get off my DSLR's auto settings. I did not realise you could buy a dedicated black and white camera. I am definitely going to investigate the Luminosity and Contrast e-book.

[@clawdawg7248]

Great question. On an early hike this morning I brought both a color and monochrom sensor camera body. Conditions were such that I never pulled the color sensored camera from the bag.

[@andrewsimpson5436]

I get what you say about the 2 but with a brief understanding of the area I don't think you have to strip away the Autumnal and early light tag from the B&W version. Sure it's what the colour version id all about but the B&W still possesses that given the snow and mist. Then again that's just how I see it, PS spaghetti every day 🙂

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Can you compare these images, sure, in the same way one could compare the same dish prepared by two different cooks or in this case the same dish, the same cook but working to two different recipes., it's not a question of better or worse but different approaches. I get what you're saying that they're different in what they're saying but that's always the case. Processing techniques, including the choice of B&W versus colour, are akin to the words we use to describe a scene or an object to someone that can't see it. It's not a comparison that necessity leads to a better or worse ranking but one that allows the viewer to explore the nuances within "the visual story". It could be that my attitude is "coloured" by the fact that I'm almost 71 and grew up in a B&W media world ... photography, film, television, print. Assuming that the processing is good then given a B&W versus colour comparison I would not rank one versus the other but look to understand and appreciate the message within each separate from the other and that would be the limit to the comparison.

[@WolfgangWhyte]

I struggle with this quandary myself on an almost daily basis. Always asking myself if I should go full-on black and white like a Jack Curran-type look and feel, or stick with warm, loving colours like a Wim Lassche-type look. I guess in the end it all depends on the shot itself: if the composition warm and inviting and it pulls you in, maybe colour works best... if the shot is stark and moody and full of presence, usually the black and white wins over. Usually. Edit: But if you're just asking about this particular photo you're showing today, my vote is colour, for what it's worth. Cheers!

[@taimurmahmood953]

Your teaching style is brilliant! Thank you for sharing your insights. Looking forward to future segments.

[@nickshepherd8377]

Firstly out of your 3 books, I re-read L and C the most! The black and white photos are stunning and just bring home the key elements you need in any image. As regards colour v black &white, I don’t think you can compare but you certainly can have a preference. I would imagine that if this is black and white, it would have a greater longevity simply because of the timelessness it invokes.

[@josephcampisi8762]

This is an image that works both ways Alister. I’m a little torn as to which one l prefer, but I’ll go with the monochrome l think. The tones really pop.

[@bar_288]

I am a sucker for bnw .. loved it.. but that colour version is ethereal and beautiful

[@bartekbgraczyk5574]

Nice images ,but unnatural colours make me cross to it.

[@alancoligado8540]

For me, the left-hand side of the colour version is so dominant, it makes the other half seem almost superfluous. The black and white version, on the other hand, feels more balanced and centred, and invites the gaze to linger on it for longer. On another note, I hope to muster enough confidence to join your members' forum this year. Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Alister.