Re: [Leica] Color v Black and White

["Joe Stephenson" <joeleica@email.msn.com>]

Tom,
I agree with the advantages--or qualities--that you noted with regard to B &
W film. I would add that it's much cheaper, offers greater process control,
is easier for me to process, and looks better, at least to my eyes.
I'm convinced.
Joe S.

- -----Original Message-----
From: TEAShea@aol.com <TEAShea@aol.com>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Saturday, October 10, 1998 7:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Color v Black and White


>Today I took the girls to a pumpkin patch farm to get in the Halloween
mode.
>I used color and black and white film.  I have found myself using more and
>more black and white film.  While shooting a roll of color, I was looking
>forward to finishing the roll so that I could shoot some more black and
while
>photos.  For me, black and white has some advantages.
>
>For one thing I find it easier to compose with black and white.  When using
>color, I have to be aware of the color mix in the photo, in  addition to
the
>balance of light.  Some colors do not look good together.   Moreover, I
>particularly find it important to pay attention to the colors in the
>background.  They can distract or interfere with the main subject.
>
>I also find that black and white is easier to use in difficult lighting
>situations involving high contrast.  At times, letting an area go black or
>wash out can be acceptable with black and white.  This is almost never the
>case with color.
>
>Additionally, I like the focus that black and white gives to a photo.  The
>color is not the message - the subject and lighting are.  It narrows the
>focus.  (By focus, I mean the main attention - not depth of field).
>
>Tom Shea