I fell in love with photography in my college darkroom.
I was a freshman at the Ohio State University, studying Anthropology. I had always wanted to learn film photography, so I signed up for a black-and-white intro class. I immediately fell in love with the process and the ideas behind image-making.
About a week into the class, I saw a work-study job posted for a lab assistant position. My job at the photo lab was a pivotal experience, and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life creating photos.
Because my photo journey started with black and white film photography, I include "film" black and white photos in all of my packages. The images are turned monochrome. I add a bit of film grain, increase the contrast, mute the highlights, and frame the picture in a 35mm film frame border.
By including these images in client's packages, I am writing a love letter to the beginning of my photo journey. But there are also many other reasons to fall in love with black-and-white photography.
Timeless appeal.
Unlike some color trends that fade with time, black and white portraits have a classic, timeless elegance. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and history, transporting you to a different era or feeling like a treasured keepsake taken generations ago. This adds a layer of depth and meaning to your photos.
Focus on emotions.
Stripped of color, the focus shifts from vibrant hues to emotions and connections. Lighting and shadows become more prominent, highlighting subtle details in facial features and gestures. This can create a more raw and impactful images.
Simplicity and minimalism.
Without the distraction of color, the composition and form of the portrait become more apparent. The eye is drawn to the lines, shapes, and textures, creating a sense of simplicity and minimalism that is visually interesting.
Enhanced light and shadow play.
The absence of color allows for bolder contrasts between light and shadow. This can create a dramatic effect, adding depth and dimension to the portrait.
Because different couples have different preferences, I convert every image into black & white 'film' photos during editing, and I will always present both versions to you.
