One Image, One Vision
We’ve all seen it: a photographer posts two versions of the same image, one in colour, one in black and white, side by side with the caption, “Not sure which is best.” It’s a common habit, but one I think is worth questioning.
To me, photography is about intent, about making a decision and standing by it. When I look at someone’s work, I want to see that they’ve made a clear choice about how to present it. And part of that is deciding whether colour or black and white better tells the story.
Colour or Black and White?
These are not just stylistic options. They’re creative decisions that shape how the image is read and felt.
• Colour brings mood, context, and atmosphere. It connects immediately to emotion — warm tones can feel comforting or nostalgic, while cool tones might suggest isolation or calm. Understanding the basics of colour theory can be powerful: complementary colours create tension, analogous palettes bring harmony, and bold primary colours can feel direct and visceral. When the colour itself carries meaning — whether symbolic, emotional, or structural — it should lead the way.
• Black and white reduces an image to its essential elements. It emphasises form, light, texture, and contrast. It strips away distraction and often invites a more introspective or timeless reading. When the emotion of the scene is strong, or when light and structure are doing the heavy lifting, black and white can be the most honest choice.
There’s no formula. But with experience, you develop a sense of what the image is about, and the treatment that best supports that message.
When Black and White Might Work Best
If you’re unsure which direction to take, here are a few situations where black and white often shines:
• When the light is dramatic, and you want to emphasise contrast or shadow
• When there’s strong texture or shape, that could get lost in colour
• When the emotion of the scene matters more than the environment
• When the colours are distracting, or don’t add much
• When you’re aiming for a timeless, or documentary feel
If colour adds something essential — mood, realism, symbolism — then trust it. But if it’s not adding clarity or power, stripping it away might strengthen the image.
Why It’s Worth Deciding Before You Post
Most of the time, I’ve already visualised how an image will look, whether in colour or black and white, before I’ve even pressed the shutter. That’s part of the process for me. I see the light, the mood, the textures, and instinctively know what treatment will best serve the story I want to tell.
But now and then, especially with more subtle or layered images, I’ll edit in both colour and black and white. Not because I’m uncertain, but because I want to check which version really carries the weight of the message I’m trying to convey. For me, it’s part of a thoughtful edit, not an invitation to crowdsource the answer.
By the time I share an image publicly, I’ve made my decision. Posting both versions with a casual “Which do you prefer?” can weaken the message. If you don’t know what you’re trying to say, it’s unlikely the viewer will.
That said, if you’re genuinely curious about how people respond to the image in different forms, just be open about that:
“Tried this in both colour and black and white — curious which speaks to you more, and why?”
That kind of conversation encourages interpretation, not indecision. It keeps you in control of your vision while inviting thoughtful response.
Final Thoughts
Making a choice between black and white or colour is part of your creative voice. It’s not always obvious, and it’s okay to take time to figure it out. But the aim is to get to a place where you instinctively know which version speaks louder, and trust that instinct.
There’s a lot of power in committing to your choices. And in a world full of “this or that” comparisons, showing a single, confident image can be more impactful than showing both.
If you ever want a second pair of eyes on an edit, or help deciding which version hits harder, feel free to drop me a message. Always happy to chat photography.