Black And White 80s Photos: A Timeless Classic
Despite the technological advancements in photography, black and white photos continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Black and white photography dates back to the 19th century, and in the 20th century, it reached its peak with its popularity soaring through the roof. The 80s was a decade when black and white photography was at its prime, with fashion, music and film industries utilizing it to create iconic images that remain relevant today.
The Advantages of Shooting In Black And White
Shooting in black and white allows photographers to focus on the subject’s features rather than colors. The absence of color ensures that there are no distractions in the image’s background or foreground. This approach enables photographers to capture emotions more profoundly by highlighting essential features such as facial expressions, body language or texture.
Additionally, black and white photography is more forgiving when it comes to lighting conditions. Harsh shadows or high contrasts are not as noticeable as they would be in color photos since there is no need for precise color correction. Similarly, photographs can be converted from color to black and white during post-production editing, providing ample opportunities for experimentation.
Iconic Black And White Photos From The 80s
The 80s saw an array of iconic black and white photographs taken by prominent photographers such as Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn amongst others. These images captured not only fashion but music icons like Madonna, Michael Jackson who were at their prime during this era.
One of the most notable images from this era is Herb Ritt’s photograph of Madonna posing topless wearing a striking ensemble designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier. The photograph became one of Madonna’s most recognizable images ever taken.
Another timeless photograph is Richard Avedon’s portrait of Meryl Streep taken in 1981. The image captures Streep’s intensity perfectly and has gone down as one of the greatest celebrity portraits in history.
Black and white photography from the 80s has shaped modern-day photography in many ways. It is an excellent way to capture images without worrying about color, creating striking visuals whilst allowing for creative freedom. The photographs taken by famous photographers from this era have remained timeless, maintaining their relevance despite being several decades old. Black and white photography will always hold a special place in our hearts as a timeless classic that will continue to inspire us for years to come.