black and white wedding photography

The Timeless Beauty of Black and White Wedding Photography: Simon Atkins is an experienced monochrome photographer

Wedding photography is an art form that captures one of the most important days in a couple’s life. With the proliferation of colour photography, it’s easy to forget that black and white (monochrome) images once dominated the wedding scene. Despite the rise of vibrant colour photography, black and white wedding photography remains a timeless and elegant choice that continues to evoke emotional depth, artistry, and sophistication.

In this blog post, I will explore the enduring appeal of black and white wedding photography, discuss when it works best, and offer tips on how couples can harness the magic of monochrome to elevate their wedding photographs.

I started my photographic career in the busy black and white darkroom of a regional newspaper which is where I learnt the craft of monochrome photography. I processed and printed by hand many thousands of images for the newspaper using traditional darkroom printing with an enlarger and open trays of chemicals. Starting with this foundation I developed a deep love for black and white photography. Few wedding photographers will have had this background and I am very grateful for the time I spent training in the darkroom before becoming a photographer.

Why Choose Black and White Wedding Photography?

1. Timelessness

Black and white photography transcends trends. While colour can be beautiful and capture the vibrancy of the moment, monochrome images often have an eternal, classic quality. In decades to come, a black-and-white wedding album will look as fresh and timeless as it did when it was first taken. The lack of colour shifts the focus to the essence of the moment—the emotions, the expressions, and the details—allowing for a deeper connection with the images.

2. Emotional Impact

Monochrome photography often brings out the raw emotion of a scene in ways that colour images may not. Without the distraction of colours, viewers are drawn to the finer details—expressions, gestures, and intimate moments. This can create a more intimate, powerful narrative. For example, a close-up of a tearful bride or a joyful first dance becomes even more poignant in black and white.

3. Focus on Composition

Without the complexity of colour, black and white wedding photography forces both the photographer and the viewer to focus on composition, lighting, and texture. Shadows, highlights, contrasts, and lines become much more pronounced, making the photographer’s skill in capturing these elements a key part of the final image. It emphasises artistic framing and can elevate seemingly ordinary moments into extraordinary visual compositions.

4. Enhancing Detail and Texture

One of the underrated advantages of black and white photography is its ability to highlight details and textures. Wedding dresses with intricate lacework, the delicate petals of a bouquet, or the sheen of a groom’s suit are often better showcased without the distraction of colour. Black and white allows photographers to capture subtle patterns, textures, and architectural details that might be lost in a colour photograph.

When Does Black and White Photography Work Best?

While black and white photography is suitable for any wedding, there are particular moments and scenarios where it truly shines:

1. Emotional Moments

The most powerful moments in a wedding often occur in fleeting seconds—the bride’s first glance at her groom, the tear on a father’s cheek, or a bride and groom’s intimate exchange during their vows. Black and white photography heightens the emotional intensity of these instances by stripping away the distractions of colour.

2. Documentary photography

Black and white is a good match for documentary wedding photography and emphasises the story telling by stripping away all the distraction of colour.

3. Vintage or Retro Weddings

Couples who opt for a vintage or retro wedding aesthetic may want to complement their theme with black and white photography. B&W images evoke the charm of yesteryear and are an excellent way to give a wedding album a nostalgic, cinematic feel.

4. Architectural and Landscape Shots

Black and white photography is particularly effective when capturing the architecture of a venue or scenic landscapes. The play of light, contrast, and texture is enhanced, making venues with grand ceilings, ornate structures, or natural backdrops (such as mountains or gardens) look even more majestic.

How I master black and white photography

1. Understanding Lighting

Lighting is everything in black and white photography. I am well-versed in how light falls on their subjects and how shadows and highlights can shape the mood. Soft, diffused light, like that from a window or overcast sky, produces gentle tones, while hard light from the sun or artificial sources can create striking contrasts and bold images. In wedding photography, mastering lighting is the key to creating visually compelling B&W images.

2. Focus on Composition and Framing

In black and white, the strength of the image lies in the composition. I frame my shots thoughtfully—paying close attention to elements like symmetry, leading lines, and framing techniques. The contrast between light and dark areas also plays a critical role, and the photographer must be aware of how the light interacts with the subject.

3.  Shooting on film

I have a real passion for film photography, by loading a camera with black and white film it takes away the decision of what will be colour and what will be black and white, it also removes the ability to preview photographs on the camera screen which leaves me free to be in the moment. Film brings with it a beautiful aesthetic that is very difficult if not impossible to create with digital photography. Film isn’t just for bright summer days, the image below from the first dance was taken without flash in a fairly dark room using 1600iso film.

The Unwavering Appeal of Black and White Wedding Photography

Black and white wedding photography is more than just a nostalgic trend—it’s a deliberate choice that allows couples to capture their wedding day in an entirely unique and artistic way. It has the power to highlight the emotions, details, and beauty of the day in ways that colour images simply can’t.

For those who prefer more of a mix I can use a mixture of colour and black and white but perhaps you would prefer 100% monochrome for your wedding? Or even better your wedding shot on black and white film.