WHY Is Black & White Photography Making a Comeback?
In a world where our feeds are bursting with hyper saturated filters and "perfect" AI generated fluff, many of us are finding ourselves retreating into the quiet, honest world of black and white. Simon Burn argues that this isn't just nostalgia; it’s a necessary slowing down.
When you strip away the color, you strip away the distraction. You’re left with the "truth" of the frame. Here are the core ideas from Simon’s video that we should consider:
The Human Element of Imperfection
Simon points out that part of this revival is tactile. Younger photographers are discovering film for the first time, and seasoned pros are dusting off their old classics. Why? Because film provides a level of imperfection that feels human.
Digital Rebellion and the "Fluff" Filter
It’s not just about film. Simon notes that the rise of digital monochrome cameras like the Leica and the Ricoh GR IV proves that digital shooters are also looking for a way to simplify. He calls modern, attention-grabbing color images "fluff." Black and white, by contrast, forces you to shoot with intention rather than relying on a vibrant color palette to carry a weak composition.
Revealing the Story
One of the most powerful points in the video is how color can actually hide the story of a photo. Simon uses the example of a person sitting alone by a window. In color, you’re distracted by the hue of the walls or the clothes. In black and white, the focus shifts entirely to the person and their solitude. You start asking questions: Are they lonely? Are they peaceful? Without color, the emotional core of the image becomes unavoidable.
The Strategy: See in Tones, Not Colors
If you want to strengthen your work, Simon suggests a simple but effective practical step: switch your digital camera’s color profile to monochrome. This changes your EVF to black and white, allowing you to ignore color and focus entirely on light, shadow, and geometry in real-time. It’s a huge advantage over film, where you’re still seeing the world in color through an optical finder.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE YOUR BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY TRY THE LESSONS BELOW.
A Beginners Guide