While color film has become the dominant medium for capturing and reproducing images, there are still reasons why someone might choose to shoot and develop black and white film instead. Here are a few of those reasons:
- Creative expression: Black and white film can produce images with a unique aesthetic quality that can be difficult to achieve with color film. The lack of color can emphasize texture, tone, and contrast in a way that can be very powerful and evocative. Because b&w film is processed at room temperature (generally between 68˚to 75˚) any individual can control and customize the four factors of film development: developer concentration, agitation, development time, and developer temperature. Slight changes in any of these four factors could help accentuate or enhance the individual photographer’s aesthetic. Alternatively, color film processing is generally developed between 95˚ to 100˚, with a set development time and set developer concentrations.
- Cost: Developing black and white film can be less expensive than developing color film, as the process is generally simpler and requires fewer chemicals. This can be especially appealing to photographers who are just starting out or who are working on a tight budget. However, developing with less cost is only feasible if you have a darkroom set up.
- Historical context: Black and white photography has a long and rich history, and many photographers choose to work in this medium as a way of connecting with that history and the classic images it has produced.
- Technical challenges: Developing black and white film can be a more challenging and rewarding process than developing color film. With black and white film, the photographer must be mindful of the tonal values in the scene, as these will determine the final look of the image. However, B&W film processing allows for the customization of film development more easily than color film processing.
Ultimately, the choice between black and white and color film is a personal one that depends on the photographer’s goals and preferences. Some photographers may choose to work with both, using black and white for some projects and color for others.
