Menu

The Viewfinder Society

A community of photographers exploring life through the lens, from candid street moments to thoughtful compositions. We share tips, stories, and the joy of seeing the world differently. Example of a masonry layout blog

Ant
Ant
Blog owner

Black and White: Stripping Away Distraction 10 Aug 2025 • 1 min read

When and why to remove colour from your images.
Back to Blog Home

Black and white photography is more than a nostalgic choice — it’s a way of focusing attention. Without colour, viewers notice composition, texture, shape, and emotion more clearly.

Convert to black and white when the scene’s strength is in its structure or mood. Harsh light and strong shadows work beautifully; so do misty mornings and overcast skies.

Editing for black and white isn’t just desaturating — adjust contrast, dodge and burn selectively, and play with tonal ranges to create depth. Done well, black and white images feel timeless, pulling the viewer into the scene without the distraction of colour.