” When you photograph people in color you photography their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white you photography their souls” – Ted Grant
There is something about black and white photography that is just so more meaningful. With the use of only two colors and shades of gray images seem to come alive. I found standing in an art gallery in high school that I spent twice as much time looking at the black and white photos than I did the colored ones. Why? That is a really good question.
I have had this post as a draft for months now because I do not know how to answer that question. Perhaps because I see the images as more meaningful. Perhaps because they capture feeling. I feel like the exude power. These are not fully fleshed out answers, as one professor used to say, but they are the start of a conclusion. And before I ramble on, here are some of my favorite shots:
Before two weeks ago I had never heard of Alexander Khokhlov but I find his black and white photography breath taking. He shot the first and last image in the series below are from his weird beauty series and I could do a post solely devoted to them, they are stunning and startling at the same time. Picking just two of the sixteen was hard.
I could pick any one of these to print and put on my elusive gallery wall to break up all of the cute text prints I am going to have. You can find these photographs and dozens of more images, both black and white photography and colored shots, on my Photography Pinterest board.

Mica says
Beautiful black and white photos! 🙂
I think some shots really stand out in black and white 🙂
Away From Blue
haley says
Extremely well done! I am a big fan of black and white photography. It’s funny how many people differ on that subject, I feel like it’s a 50/50 split? Thanks for sharing these <3
Colour Me Classic
Anna James says
Wow. These photos are stunning. I especially love the first one.
http://www.fashboulevard.com/
Katie Kate [Beauty at Law] says
OMG. Love, love, love that Ted Grant quote!!!! This post was really inspiring to me!
Amy Breckenridge says
i am obsessed with that photo of the ballerinas!!
lilly rocket says
amazing pics! love all black&white stuff. <3 🙂
kissboombang, lilly.
Bonnie & Kleid
Pam says
The pinwheel was my favorite!
Helene says
wow! I love these photos. black and white can be so cool!
Alyssa says
I love photography, and black and white is my favorite. Something about it can completely change the mood of a photo!
Leah Behr says
Gorgeous photos! I love B+W!
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