The black and white contrast
Black and white have the strongest light-dark contrast. The combination of black and white in arts and photography is a timeless and powerful creative tool that has captivated artists and photographers for generations.
The strong contrast between these two basic colors is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to express emotions, narratives and symbolism that have left an indelible mark on the world of fine art. The development of modern displays has clearly supported the effect of black and white in contrast with each other.
contrast
Black and white photography
In photography, the use of black and white has a long history, dating back to the early days of the medium. The absence of color can enhance the effect of an image by emphasizing form, texture, and composition. Black and white photography eliminates distractions and leads the viewer to focus on the essential elements of a scene. Photographers harness the potential of black and white to convey raw emotion, timelessness, and an ethereal quality in their images.Corbijn in the middle of it, taking a shot of the band Joy Division. The image has hardly any gray tones, is almost silhouetted, black and white. Four musicians are standing by a staircase that leads down to the Tube. He photographs them from behind, only Ian Curtis turns around. The lead singer takes his own life a little later. The photo is thus suddenly charged with meaning. And suddenly everyone wants this Dutchman who takes such very special photos, photos in which the main person is sometimes far back in the picture or only blurred. And always black and white.
A defining example for me is the photographer and filmmaker Anton Cobijn. His images are characterized by their moody, atmospheric quality and use of black-and-white photography. In 1979, Corbijn moved from Amsterdam to London; it was the post-punk era.
Corbijn in the middle of it, taking a shot of the band Joy Division. The image has hardly any gray tones, is almost silhouetted, black and white. Four musicians are standing by a staircase that leads down to the Tube. He photographs them from behind, only Ian Curtis turns around. The lead singer takes his own life a little later. The photo is thus suddenly charged with meaning. And suddenly everyone wants this Dutchman who takes such very special photos, photos in which the main person is sometimes far back in the picture or only blurred. And always black and white.