Black and White Photo Selection

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Fotografía en Blanco y Negro de Preboda en la Playa
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Black and white photography is immediately associated with words such as “classic“, “nostalgia” or “timeless“. This happens to us when we see old images of our grandparents or great-grandparents. Did you know that photography has been with us for almost 200 years?

Black and white photography means that and much more for me. It is true that color defines my style. Light and airy images abound in my portfolio. Over 80% of the photographs that I deliver of weddings and sessions are in color, editorially describing the world of beauty and love surrounding an event or a couple. However, the remaining 20% ​​of a gallery will consist of beautiful and epic black and white photography.

But, what makes me convert an image to black and white? It might seem almost random, but over time I have discovered my own criteria. A photograph has more meaning in black and white in the following cases:

  • An image describing an epic moment, with genuine and spontaneous expressions.
  • A photograph with a big emotional content, where emotions communicate on a deeper level.
  • The images with movement work very well in black and white photography.
  • Scenes with a complicated lighting often result in unflattering tones that are difficult to edit. Black and White Photography may be the solution!
  • Some slightly out of focus images can be taken on a new life by turning them to black and white.
  • An image with a bucolic flair, a “fine art” aesthetic, a poetic connotation …
  • When the composition or the lighting in a photo makes the subject stand out from the background, creating a great sense of contrast.

These are the main cases that will make me convert from color to black and white photography. Here you have a selection of some of my favorites examples.

For more information about my general editing process, click here.

When B&W is the way to go

The Epic Moment

If an image describes an epic moment, with genuine and spontaneous expressions, it will be a clear candidate to turn into powerful black and white photography. In these cases, the color could detract from the action.

Beautiful Black and White Photo of a Bride Getting Out of the Car before Wedding Ceremony in Seville
Venue: Hacienda Los Miradores (Seville)
Beautiful Black and White Photo of Ring Bearer Boy Extremely Joyful
Photo1.- Planning: Sevilla de Fiesta
Fotografía en Blanco y Negro de Salida Novios. Arroz y Pétalos. Preciosa Reacción
Bride and Groom in Love First Dance
Photo1.- Venue: Castillo de la Monclova (Seville)| Photo2.- Venue: Hacienda Los Frailes de San Alberto (Seville)
Wedding Guest Performance Energetic Karaoke
Venue: Monasterio Monte Carmelo (Seville)
Wedding Guests Joyful Dancing
Venue: Cortijo el Chamorro (Seville)
Bride and Groom Epic Dance in Seville
Venue: Hacienda de Regla (Seville)
Bride Being Lifted by Friends. Amazing Reaction
Venue: Hacienda la Pintada (Seville)
Wedding Guests, Adults and Kids, Dancing Joyfully in Wedding Dance Party in Seville
Venue: Hacienda Tierra Blanca (Seville)
Groom Having The Best Time at Wedding Dance Party
Venue: Hacienda Mejina (Seville)
Emotional Content

In a photograph with a great emotional content, feelings are so strong that they communicate on a deeper level. Hugs, cuddles, tears, cries…, result in powerful and emotional pictures. Color could be distracting in this case, so black and white is a win!

Wedding Guest and Bride in the Most Emotional Hug
Venue: Monasterio Monte Carmelo (Seville)
Black and White Photography. Bride and Groom Showing Love for each other
Groom and Groom Holding Hands. Detail Picture
Venue: Hacienda Los Ángeles (Seville)
Bride and Groom Foreheads Together
Venue: Hacienda de Regla (Seville)
Novia y Novia con Miradas de Amor en el Primer Baile
Planning: Sevilla de Fiesta | Venue: Hotel Vincci La Rábida (Seville)
The “Fine Art” Aesthetic

An image with a bucolic flair, a “fine art” aesthetic, a poetic connotation … has all the chances of being very good black and white photography.

Black and White Photography. Fine Art Photo of Bride in White Veil
Fine Art Photo Bride Betting Out of the Car in Seville Wedding Church Ceremony
Planning: Sevilla de Fiesta (Seville)
Bride Posing and Dancing in the Forest
Photo2.- Planning: Sevilla de Fiesta
Black and White Photography of Boho Bride in the Forest Black and White Photography of Bride and Groom in Romantic Photoshoot at Plaza de España in Seville
Movement All Around

The images with movement work very well in black and white. The incredible moments of energetic dances of the “after party”, an unexpected gust of wind or people moving in the background are great examples of that.

Engagement Session Couple in the Beach in Rota Cadiz Black and White Photography with Bride and Groom Epic Kiss in Triana Bridge Seville
Wedding Dress in the Wind in Plaza de España Seville
Planning: Sevilla de Fiesta
Bride and Groom Happy Dance
Venue: Restaurante Santa Ana (Seville)
Wedding Guests at Dance Party Dancing Sevillanas Light Motion
Venue: Hacienda Los Ángeles (Seville)
Creative Framing

When the composition of a photo (creative framing) and / or an specific lighting (very dark backgrounds) make the subject stand out prominently from the scene, creating a great sense of contrast.

Black and White Photography of Bride and Friends at Getting Ready Room Through the Mirror Black and White Photography of Bride Getting Ready Hair and Make Up in Mirror
Black and White Photography of Priest Blessing Bride and Groom in Catholic Church Wedding in Triana SevilleBlack and White Photography of Bride and Groom in Plaza de España, Seville
Primer Baile de los Novios en Hacienda la Pintada con Luces de Verbena
Venue: Hacienda la Pintada (Seville)
Problematic Lighting Scenario

There are times when the scene presents complicated lighting, such as the light generated by a fluorescent bulb. Also, lamp (warm color) and window light (cool color), each one with different color temperatures, are commonly mixed in interior scenes. These are situations that result in unflattering tones that are difficult to edit and the best solution may be to convert to beautiful black and white photography.

Bride Getting Ready Room Hair and MakeUp
Hair and Make Up: Antonio Brilli
The Magic of Out-of-Focus Images

Some slightly out of focus images may appear to be discarded in the first selection.. However, these can be taken on a new life by turning them to black and white. It speaks “vintage” to me!

Bride and Groom Beautiful Petals Rain in Seville
Venue: Cortijo el Chamorro (Seville)
Novio y Novia en la Pista de Baile
Venue: Hacienda Los Miradores (Seville)
Bride and Groom Holding Hands in Portraits Ronda Malaga
Photo1.- Planning: Tucco Weddings | Venue: Hotel la Fuente de la Higuera (Ronda, Malaga) | Florals: Pedro Navarro
Bride and Groom First Kiss in Seville Wedding
Black and White Photography of the Bride Getting Ready
It is true that color defines my style. However, the remaining 20% ​​of a gallery will consist of beautiful and epic black and white images. Over the years I have discovered my own criteria to convert or not convert.
Wedding Photographer in Spain Victor Alaez
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My name is Victor Alaez. I’m a fine art wedding photographer based in Spain. Besides photographing the most beautiful events, I love writing inspirational wedding-related content for couples planning their big day.

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