A world without color

I'm pretty sure most of you were approached by a blind man/woman on a stoplight or the street, one time or another.  Begging for that extra change you can spare.

Have you ever wondered what the world looks like to them?  Total blackness, you'd say... void of color.  Lifeless....

Have you ever tried closing your eyes long enough, shutting them tight enough until you see white spots?  Then silhouettes in monochrome appear?   Wouldn't it be a treat if they could at least see things in black-and-white?

To say 'at least' is an understatement, for black-and-white images, compared to colorful ones that stand out, monochromes has the ability to communicate rather strongly than any photographic medium.

The ability to play with light... the drawing of light, to coin the term 'photography', will always have its rightful place in the legitimate world of classic art.

 Skies are compelling, it's dark tones mystifying and dangerous....

Architectural srctures, urban scenes, crowds... they tend to transform from dull into entirely different interesting subjects.

Admittedly, there are subjects for which color is more appropriate, such as farm animals, maybe... 

... or perhaps a musical concert.

But doesn't our superheroes look more menacing and sinister in black?

But arguably, black-and-white is at it's best for people photography, and specifically portraiture. From early photographers who documented American life during the depression, to famous photos of Hollywood stars of the 40s and 50s, black and white defies time!

Powerful images are depicted well in black-and-white.   Perhaps, our blind man/woman are better off in a world without color, in total darkness, don't you think?

Having shared some of these images, i'd like to consider them timeless, and has inherent dignity.  And they tend to outlast colored ones, as well.  Well, I would like my photographs to out last me long after i'm gone!

As a photographer, (an aspiring street photographer), i must admit i am obsessed with two aspects of the camera's ability to create images. Photography can capture beauty and it can stop time. And as often as not, black-and-white is the best way to capture beauty and stop time.  

But hey, that's just me...