“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in Black and white, you photograph their souls!” ― Ted Grant
Maybe my favourite quote and something I really need on my wall. Black and white wedding photography is something I love very much. Of course, colour is also beautiful but like anything in life, you use it when required.
Before I talk more about how powerful black and white wedding photography can be, let me first explain how I approach weddings. Thanks to the Fujifilm X-T3 I take all my photos in black and white. So, when I look through my view finder I can already see everything in black and white.
It is something I was taught by other documentary wedding photographers and it has changed my game (for the best). No longer am I distracted by other colours (as weddings can be very colourful). The benefits of this make me see the light which results in more creativity. Bonus all day long.
When editing photos after a wedding, sometimes you already know what photo will be black and white. Most of the time it comes down to the emotion of people. Whether it is tears of happiness or smiles of joy. Black and white wedding photography really helps showcase these emotions.
At weddings, you really get to know lots of new people. This, for me, is one the biggest reasons why I love my job. Meeting interesting new characters with backgrounds you are not familiar with. It all makes for the story that needs to be told.
The speeches, for example, is a moment you find out so much of a persons story. Not just through words but by capturing someones emotion, the viewer can understand their story. Even if they do not know them that well (or at all, like myself), black and white wedding photography undoubtedly helps achieve this powerful method of emotional capture.
When used correctly, this really is a powerful tool for any type of photography. Maybe I am a bit biased as I absolutely love it. But it is quite hard not to love it. The emotion it helps bring to the table is priceless. That extra depth and creativity it can bring to a photo. Colour is beautiful but black and white photos can reach the heart. Wedding photography, to me, is all about the emotion. Above all, that’s what I want to capture. The real moments.
Documentary & Creative Wedding Photography by Gary Jude
Gardeners Cottage, Belhus Park, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 4QE
07557789203
Black and white wedding photography by Jude photography. I am an Essex documentary wedding photographer that covers the UK and destination weddings. I specialise in creative, natural, documentary wedding photography. Photojournalism wedding photography that focuses on the people, emotions, laughter and love. The real moments of a wedding day.