Weekly Poll: Colour or B&W Portraits

[SJH Foto]

I guess it depends on what you're going for.

Most of my clients prefer colour. But B&W works well for that rustic look. Here is an example of both using the same client:

[SJH Foto]

Sorry, I just read that we can't have a "it depends" answer. Well then, I guess I'll have to say colour because it pays the most-more clients want it.

[Laurence]

I am very drawn to B & W photos. I shoot everything in B & W but some stuff has to be converted to B & W. I love the contrast.

[skylinedrive]

I voted for color, but really I like both. Both are appropriate at different times - just depends really.

[sk66]

I voted for B&W. I tend to get more "feeling" from them. I also find it's easier to set "mood" with B&W. B&W tends to be more forgiving "subject-wise" (e.g. poor skin) and can be easier to work with in odd/mixed lighting.
Color certainly has it's place, but in portraiture, color seems to work more for "it's own statement". For me, photographing people in color is usually more about the activity, the location, or the accessories (e.g. fashion type photography.)

[Haeretik]

I dunno why but I prefer black and white in MOST cases for portraits... however, I do enjoy a color portrait now and again... I think the B&W is more striking and seems more... detailed to me. I know it's not, but it's just one of those... impressions the brain gives off! Recently I've done something similar to Nicole and use a B&W layer on top of a color and "de-saturate" the colors to a point.

Here's my favorite B&W portrait that I've taken:

[TAWW]

I love B & W especially portrait (formal or candid). However at least 95% of my work is color.

[Major_Small]

I'm going to have to go with black and white - I've seen some Color shots that look real nice, but nothing that's moved me and made me think like a B&W has.

[embrodak]

I chose colour because that's what I tend to do more of. I really love black/white photos, though... they remove complications and let different detail go through.

Inspirational posters can go either way...

B/W:


Color:

[Writenow]

I think it really depends on the subject. I like both, but I chose color because I too take most of my photos and make changes later .