Whether it’s been an old film seen in one’s leisure time or a book that was to be studied for class, we’ve all seen a photograph in black and white. Most, especially ones for the 20th century, probably have some deal of noise or grain in them. In classic motion picture art, color was not an option so the director or director of photography for that project had to make do with what they had. One such title, Casablanca, was filmed entirely in black and white, and it’s still considered one of the greatest films ever made (according to Hollywood Reporter, American Film Institute, British Film Institute, etc.). One could look up on Google many images of close-up face shots of Ingrid Bergman’s character in the movie, and will most likely find a photograph of her in tears or in an emotional state. Looking at one of these pictures one would feel empathy for the character, and may feel themselves emotional, too.

“So does this mean filming in black and white is best?” Not necessarily. In photography, as well as films, there may be a story you want to tell or a feeling you want your audience left with. What matters is how you tell that story, how you portray your characters in certain situations. Especially in romantic or emotional scenes, the frame should be focused on the face of the actress or model. If in a scene of photograph a couple just broke up, then the photograph may focus in on one of the former lover’s faces to see their emotions. Maybe position the frame with the actress’ chin just barely being cut off from the bottom of the frame, and her forehead may just barely cut off from the top of the frame. This gives the viewer the empathy of an intimate moment in a movie or photograph. Such can be done for others emotions whether it be anger, hunger, troublesome, etc.

Black and white photographs and films have the unique ability to portray shadows in different ways, too. In many classic horror movies, the villain or possible antagonist may likely be hidden in shadows. With the project being done in black and white, then the effect or horror or fear is amplified, since color is not there to differentiate between objects in the dark.

Practice some of these techniques for yourself, and let me know how they work for you in the comments below. As always, team work makes the dream work.