It’s often said that black and white photography creates a sense of timelessness. I love to take a photo full of people and indicators, turn it black and white, and watch as it transforms into a completely different piece of art.
Most of the time I even consider making this alteration to a picture, it’s one I’ve taken in Chicago. I’m not sure why that is–perhaps it’s because I live here and I want to see my home differently. Take a look at these photos I captured on a boat and around town. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
What do you think of the different effects black and white makes on architecture vs. fine art vs. sneakers? It’s so interesting to take them all in together.
for the love of nike 
Lovely photography! I always admire black and white photography as it is so much harder to get it just right. The composition and contrasting shades play an integral role but both are perfect in your images – I could frame them. I don’t know why but I think people are correct when they say black and white is timeless, it gives a sense of a fleeting moment of time much more fluidly.
Thank you so much! I totally agree with you–and you put it so beautifully! Thank you for sharing!
Not at all, thank-you for writing such a thought provoking post. Your photography is beautiful – can’t wait for your next post!
I’ve thought a lot about shooting stuff in black and white. It used to be the only option for photographers, and now it’s a conscious choice that people use for an effect. Earlier photographers like Dorothea Lange must have learned how to “see” their images in black and white. These days most people just think of it as an interesting effect, and it’s usually used to simulate the past.
Your choice of subjects is interesting. I think the buildings come out well, because the black and white emphasizes the structure and the mass. Same for the sculptures. Seeing the paintings in black and white was kind of jarring. I don’t think it’s a good idea to rob them of their color. The tones O’Keeffe used in the skyscraper painting were subtle, but the effect was radiant.
Shooting in black and white is a special skill, and I really respect the photographers who had a deep understanding of light and shadow. Since I’m into movies, I think of people like Gregg Toland and Ted McCord. Black and white is a different language, and they knew how to speak it fluently.