Black and White erotic photography – what and when
March 24, 2011 in Industry Related News by TheButcher | Permalink
Let me start by explaining what can be gained by taking a photo in black and white. On the surface it makes no sense. We see in colour, black and white movies and tv’s are generally considered old fashioned and technically inferior. Even our newspapers are in colour now. Why look at something with only 3 things, black, white and grey when instead we could be enjoying it in it’s natural state – limitless shades of colour?
The answer is “emotional impact”. When an artist takes a photo he is trying to convey an emotion or feeling. He has numerous tools at his disposal by which to achieve this. His model and her skill, lighting, location, setting and props, hair and makeup, equipment, post shoot editing etc…. . One of these is colour or the lack of colour. A black and white (and sepia) photo is by it’s nature “stark”. An over powering element “colour” is absent. This allows the viewer to focus more easily on the other elements of  the shoot and gives the photographer a better chance of conveying his intended emotion.
Have a look at these samples. Imagine them in colour, it’s easy to understand how colour could be a distraction and block the full emotional impact of the image
So if we accept that black and white photos have some value – how should we use them. First thing to understand is that they simply DO NOT get the same attention and clicks that a good colour photo does. Anybody who has ever owned a tgp or blog knows that no matter how hard they try, no matter how many beautiful black and white or sepia thumbnails and sets you put up, their performance will always underwhelm you. So… why bother… .
Think bigger, the occasional black and white set may not sell as well as the colour ones but it gives your site depth, drama and texture. A fuller more significant feel. It sets it apart from the other sites. The consumers that do see them will be impacted by them and remember you over your competitor. Black and white, used sparingly, may not help your site that day, but over all, and in the long run you should make more money.
There are lots of great sponsors offering black and white galleries – give them a try.
The Life Erotic is one of them!
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