Black and White Wedding Photography: A Necessity or a No-No?

When hiring a wedding photographer, the decision of whether to choose someone who only takes black and white photographs is a pivotal one. Do you want a black and white wedding album or are you looking for a photographer who can provide both color and black and white options? It's worth noting that offering only black and white images significantly reduces your client base, yet it has its unique charm in certain scenarios. However, with the dominance of digital photography, the practicality of choosing solely a black and white wedding photographer is questionable.

Historical Context

No black and white photography cannot be ignored, as it occupies a special place in the history of photography. In the past, colored photography was not an option, and black and white was the norm. Today, however, we live in a colorful world, and wedding photographs should reflect the vibrant essence of our culture, with a particular emphasis on the color red.

Professional Considerations

For myself, although I love black and white and predominantly shoot in black and white with a 4x5 view camera, there is no place for black and white in wedding photography. Very few modern wedding photographers use film, and it's even fewer who use it for weddings. If a film photographer is using a 35mm film camera, it's probably not the best choice. For wedding photography, medium format film should be the only consideration. However, even with the cost of film and the potential for lost photos in the mail, digital photography is the superior choice.

Advantages of Digital Photography

Immediate feedback on photo quality. Ease of converting to black and white without the limitations of film. Reduced costs and increased efficiency. Flexibility to save and process images as needed.

The Case Against Black and White for Weddings

Would you hire a wedding photographer who only takes pictures in black and white? Absolutely not. The reasons for this are multifaceted.

Options for the Photographer

The photographer in question may be either a film-only photographer or a digital photographer. If they are exclusively using film, they might be more focused on their personal aesthetic than your wedding, or they might just be unprofessional. In this case, digital photography is the more reliable choice as it provides immediate feedback, reduces costs, and allows for greater flexibility.

The Future of Wedding Photography

If the photographer is a digital photographer, they should use RAW format for image capture. Not only does this provide the flexibility to produce both black and white and color images, but it also ensures that they know what they are doing. Shooting in RAW format allows for artistic expression while still providing the needed service professionalism that clients require for their wedding day.

Wedding photography is a service industry that happens to allow for some artistic expression. Anyone who attempts to prioritize their artistic vision over the needs of the client is not suitable for capturing such a significant life event.