NYC Portraits & Headshots: Color vs. Black & White

It’s kind of an age old question when it comes to photography…what is better, color or black & white?

There is no one size fits all answer. We see the world in color and we often want that reflected back to us in the images we view. We want to see ‘how it really looks’. But this can easily change when we see the simple reductive beauty of a great black & white photograph. Photography is art, and art does not have to always perfectly represent our everyday reality.

But when it comes to professional portrait and headshot photography, the intended use of the images comes into play. Sometimes color may make more sense or perhaps some clean minimal black & white images would really hit the spot. There are not really any actual rules despite what you may hear and even if there were, then why does that mean you have to follow them?

Photography is always in need of what is basically 'art direction’. It is a visual language which some are more fluent in than others. This is true when it comes to not only the creation of the images but even the view and consumption of them. So the choice between color or black & white, comes down to it being just one of many choices that are made during the creative process. One aspect of the production amongst all the others that include lighting, set, wardrobe, retouching, and more.

In most instances, in contemporary times the natural way to go is just color. But it’s nice to always keep in mind, and use when it feels appropriate, the power that black & white can add to a make a classic yet modern timeless image.

Below, are some samples of our work in both color and black & white because as mentioned we like both! You can see more of our work on our portfolio page and on our Instagram. We are also on Linkedin.

Our private photographer studio is conveniently located in Brooklyn very close to the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Gowanus, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, and Prospect Heights. It is walkable to the NYC subway stops for both the R and F trains. You can read our highly rated reviews and see us on a map here on Google.

If you need a portrait or headshot photographer in the NYC area, please feel free to get in touch via our home page.

Cheers—
NS