I am a big fan of black and white photography, and what it represents for wedding photography, particularly black and white wedding photojournalism.

I am often asked what prompts the decision to postproduce images from a photo shoot using the black and white technique.

There are various reasons that lead the photographer, and the couple, to decide that some of the images in the photo shoot should be developed in black and white.

Let's shed some light and dispel some myths about black and white wedding reportage.

Focus on Emotions

When a couple asks me why I like black and white, at the expense of color, I always reply that developing in this way allows the emotions of the moments captured to come through 100%, without any distraction.

In fact, color often tends to "distract" the viewer's attention, drawn by the bright hues of the guests' outfits more than those of the bride and groom.

Not only that, in this natural eye-brain alternation, black and white allows us to better focus our attention on the portrayed subjects: their expressions, the moment they are living, and all the emotions experienced.

When shooting, for example, the bride's preparation, we may find ourselves inside small rooms, not exactly the best places from a photographic point of view.

The colors of the walls, the gradation of color emitted by the light sources, the aesthetics of the furniture.

All elements that if preserved risk taking away power and emotion from the portraits of the bride and her family members, gathered in a few square meters to complete the dressing and support the bride-to-be.

So no more working in color?

The choice to do the entire photo shoot in black and white is and must be shared between the wedding couple and the photographer.

There are some photographers who have chosen to work exclusively this way, just as on the opposite side there are professionals who do not intend to use post production towards black and white in any way.

I think a smart choice may be to balance the two modes of development, especially if you plan to make a wedding album. Maintaining a color consistency between the pages will guarantee you an excellent end result.

Another case where I suggest to my couples the use of color is definitely when there is the possibility of shooting outside of locations, enhancing the colors of the landscape and in general the natural elements.

Black and white in photo reportage

Those looking for a reportage style will have come across numerous black and white images.

These are usually those photographs on which one tends to linger a few moments longer, analyzing the scene and interpreting its emotions.

This is enhanced by the choice of color, and the contrast between the two opposing colors emphasizes the most important and emotionally rich moments.

Black and white in your home

In the last three years, many couples have decided to make, along with the more "traditional" album, a large-format print of a specific photograph, a shot that has a special relevance for them within the entire photo reportage.

Printing in black and white allows you to avoid annoying color contrasts between the pre-existing décor and the colors of the photograph, catalyzing your attention on the portrayed moment.

Without impacting additional elements of your home, but giving the environment a new emotional charge.

Black and White is not "easier"

I hear several colleagues who consider black and white as "easier" to achieve.
And if I were to analyze the topic superficially, I might even agree.
Removing color eliminates a number of imperfections that would otherwise have to be corrected later.
So does the need to carefully manage lights and their temperature (cooler, like LEDs, or warmer, like halogen bulbs).
But this is a superficial analysis, and frankly lacking objective basis.

What I think is that a black-and-white photo should be imagined by the wedding photographer even before it is taken. While it is true that the removal of color avoids having to deal with chromaticity problems, on the other hand, their absence implies a greater overall focus on the image on the part of the viewer.
Composition, framing, space management, camera angle, become indispensable elements for a successful image.
Fewer elements to judge means, essentially, that all the remaining components of the image take on greater importance, significantly greater than in a "traditional" color image.