Black And White Family Photography

We're having a family portrait professionally taken and we're leaning toward black and white. There will be 8 of us in the photos.

My question ... How does black & white photography differ in the way colors are portrayed?

If the photos were to be in color, obviously we would all wear colors that are flattering to us ... is that the same for black & white? Do some colors not photograph as well as others?

Is it better to wear clothing that contrasts with your complexion and hair?

Do bright colors photograph differently in B & W than more muted shades?

I'm asking because my daughter and I both have light hair and light skin (especially her) and I'm afraid afraid we'll look "washed out" ... but neither of us looks good in extremely dark clothing either.

And what about makeup ... would you do it differently than you would for a color photo?

Any tips, suggestions, ideas? Thanks!

Talk to your photographer before making any final decisions. Black and white is great, but wearing black and white can create issues of very high contrast, whereas any light color that is worn will show up as white but not have the contrast that white would. It will be a challenge for the photographer to utilize lighting when the differences are so great in what you are wearing - you can't add as much lighting to white as will be needed to show the details in black. White to me would be too stark and could easily overpower everyone's faces - faces that would appear as shades of gray. Suggest you choose dark and light clothing, all the same colors, not black and white. Look at some websites where photographers use black and white photography - you'll see what I mean.

2008-10-20 13:08:50 by *Sombra*

The Hudson's Portrait Design 20/20 Black and white photography sale is back! www.blog.hudsonportraits.com This is a great time to create some ...

I am looking for black and white photography of babies or other family type layouts......any suggestions......I have searched ALL OVER google with no luck! and coolchaser is out of the question....help!

Maybe www.createblog.com i dont know..sorry

2008-02-15 23:53:56 by Truth_matters

Price: $71.00

I personally think black and white looks far nicer.
What do you prefer?

And would it be family, personal or portrait of your children?

I'm just asking as I am starting up a photography business.

Thanks x

For myself, I would like black and white. If I had any portrait done, it would be of my son, and I'd like color. He's got the most gorgeous blue eyes, I'd make sure those showed in the portrait :)

2007-09-16 07:23:19 by ~Hunky Homer~

Price: $32.99

I LOVE taking pictures of myself, my friends my family ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!
On my camera I can make it black&white, color, and "sepia".
Does anyone know any tricks to make the pictures have cool effects?

any poses or things that look awesome in pictures??


thanks in advance! x-0

yeah, naked ppl.

2007-07-13 18:37:59 by italianonikki

I have recently become interested in Taking pictured of Infants, and it turns out, I am pretty good. Does anyone know a good digital camera with those fancy black and white or sepia effects on it? Id like a good one. Also, Does anyone Know of a company that does picture printing? Id like to be able to have the families choose the pictures they like and have them printed for them. Does anyone know of a website that offers ideas on props or backgrounds or lighting tips and techniques? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I never claimed to be a qualified Photographer..Nor Did I mention charging anyone, I simply find it fun and Would like to do it better. So...please, if you dont know anything about photography, then you are not helping me. The rest of the answer are fantastic however!

I am a photographer, and it is great to hear that you have found a love for photography! It sounds like you have already taken a great start. As for the camera's with the cool effects they are not needed to create the effect. Thanks to tools like Photoshop, online printing stores and even your local printing shop can create this effect for you and your future customers.
I realize you never mentioned charging anybody, but if you get into this serious enough you will WANT to- just to cover your costs. Photography can get expensive. (It also can make a lot of money too...)
As for printing, when I first started my business I did a TON of research (As it appears that you are doing yours) I ran into a professional that was willing to take me under his wing and teach me a few things. He owned a very well known studio in my area and printed his pictures at COSTCO!!! I was shocked!
So don't worry about the little details, just jump in, get started and with each great picture you take there will be one more customer craving your work. Especially when taking pictures of little kids... Every mom has a hard time turning down a picture of their kids... I am a Mom and still find me paying for others photo's if the opportunity is there. Even though I own all the equipment and take millions of them!

Have fun with it and GOOD LUCK!

2007-09-16 05:08:12 by Kimberly S