Has black and white portraiture gone out of vogue?

Hello friends,

This is my 10th year photographing some of Atlanta’s most beautiful families – and I love every minute of it. As I spend this Saturday morning editing I have noticed a very considerable shift or trend in what clients want, and it surprises me. The demand for black and white images has diminished. When I started my studio I would say that 60% (at least) of my clients would specifically request black and white portraits, and those were often the choice for framed wall portraits or gallery wrapped canvases.

So I know what you’re thinking – does this trend bother me? Do I prefer black and white over color? Well, yes and no. As an artist some images seem to beg for a black and white conversion. Others just look so wonderful in color that I leave them alone. Usually (not always) the images that convey relationships and emotions communicate those things better in black and white. It’s timeless….it draws your attention to what is going on in the portrait. Never discount the power that these images have to communicate feeling – and isn’t that why we take pictures to begin with?

Here are some of my favorite black and white portraits….enjoy!

Until next time…..