Human eyes are made to see colors. Bright colors hold the tendency to grab the viewer's attention in a fraction of seconds. Monochrome images have a separate fan base as they seem to be more compelling and captivating to the viewers. In this world of beautiful color photos, some compositions look more appealing in monochrome. But the question is when is the time you should switch to monochrome?
Here is a set of situations in which you can switch your photograph from color to monochrome.
WHEN COLOUR ISN'T THE STRONGEST POINT
Colors are a great compositional tool but only when the color of the subject contrasts with the surroundings. Viewers' eyes must be directed right to the subject. Switch to monochrome if the colors are not complimenting each other or when the colors are monotonous.
WHEN THE IMAGE HAS UNNATURAL HUES
Sometimes, odd color hues can be distracting such as over-the-top colored lights at a wedding or a flash bounced off colored walls or even red skin tones from heat. Whatever the reason, there are colors in your shot that aren't quite right.
You can use Photoshop to fix the issue, but switching to black and whites is an easy fix.
FOR INTENSE EMOTIONS
Black and white photographs portray intense emotions better than colorful ones. With more contrast in none of the pre-set emotions with colors, some images bring out greater emotion, more precisely the right emotion, when they are in black and white.
WHEN SHAPES AND PATTERNS ARE MORE IMPORTANT
Colour is often one of the first things that attract the eye of the viewer. We're naturally drawn to brighter colors.
Images where you want to emphasize shape and patterns, they look better in black and white because it easily eliminates the distraction created by colors.
WHEN YOU WANT THE VIEWER TO LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
We see in color, it's simple as that. Since our brains are so used to seeing everything in color - A black and white image often holds us for a while. Converting an image to black and white can be a powerful tool to get the viewer to stop and take a little closer look. Black and white photography eliminates the distraction of color. It often gets us looking for a shot more than usual.
Both black on white and color photography can be artistic and emotional. There is no right or wrong answer when deciding whether to convert that shot, but it's not something that should be done automatically. The question is whether the image works better in black and white and which emotions are enhanced. Consider using black and white as a tool to fix odd color hues, or simply for getting the viewer to look a little closer.