Saturday, August 16, 2008

Black and White vs. Color--What do you think?

I definately don't claim to be an expert at taking or editing pictures. However, one thing I have learned is that not every picture looks great when converted to black and white. You need something special and I think that something is contrast. When I was editing the pictures I took on Saturday, I tried a few as black and whites. Some looked good and others just looked okay. I chose a few and want you to tell me--Which do you like better and why? Do you like black and white or is everything better in color? Is black and white too "old school" or is color boring? If you read this post, I'd love to hear your comments (especially since there are probably only a handful of readers).


6 comments:

Laurel C. said...

I like the color shots with the green grass behind your girls. The brilliantness of the grass with your daughters' fair skin makes the picture a stand-out. But I like the black and white shots when your girls are near the concrete or brick wall. The texture of the wall comes out more in b/w. The one of Meghan near the bricks might look good in b/w as well. I dunno... I think they all look great! Hard to choose... but I think you are right, contrast is the key with b/w. My simple, uneducated opinion only. :) You are the expert!

Stephanie said...

Okay, so I think I've figured out why I haven't been able to view your images - our web filter. For some reason, it does not like the images from your blog and is blocking them for me. After turning off the filter I am able to see all the images. And, I'd have to say NONE of them were questionable and needed blocking, but oh well. So, I hope you haven't been going crazy trying to figure this out - Sorry! Yes, it's my lack of tech-savvy, as usual. However, now I can give you my opinion: I have always liked b/w for close ups. I like the way it makes the skin look. I also agree with contrast being important in b/w, which is probably why your second daughter (I won't mention her name in case you are trying to keep their names out of your blog) looks good in b/w, her hair is a little darker. Anyway, those are my thoughts.

Natalie said...

I definitely love the first one in color better than the b/w one. (Although, the b/w is still amazing.) I just love the bold colors.

Mom and Camera said...

I have a hard time deciding, too. I like the brilliant green (like Laurel). I love the creamy skin tones (like Stephanie). I think it depends on the picture. Sometimes BW can really draw your attention in by calling less attention to a distracting background. I love your comments!! I think I am addicted now. I also don't feel so wierd commenting on other peoples' blogs (I was/am definately a blog stalker.)

Brooke :) said...

Well ALL your pictures look good no matter what you do to them but I do like Lauren and Alisun in color just because I think their skin and hair tend to blende and you can't tell where their hair begins and their skin ends. But in the black and white is does take out the brightness contrast of their shirts to the grass so that's something i like about the b/w. I do like megan in black and white because she wasn't given the blonde hair and it looks really nice. I mean i don't know if adding the grass back into the black and white pictures would look good. But no matter what they look nice, and what do I know.

Mom and Camera said...

You know plenty about pictures Brooke. You have taken some fantastic pictures, too. I do like Megan best in BW. I do have a really nice BW of Alisun, though. It has a different background and that makes a big difference. BTW--I am so happy you can now comment on my blog. Hopefully some others will start commenting, too.