Why Is Black and White Film SO Underrated?

Today's social media circus and race of hyper-speed content creation can vex the modern photographer.

That's why so many have been drawn to analog and— more notably — themonochromatic nostalgia of black-and-white film.

B&W has a special kind of magic to it. One that slows things down and draws focus to the subject in a way other color-negative stocks can't.

Industry giants, such as Kodak or Cinestill, offer a variety of B&W films that both beginners and experts in photography need to be utilized more.

As one of the most versatile film stocks in accessibility, price point, and editing capabilities — B&W rolls are incredible instruments for film photographers to stretch their muscles or expand their skills.

Room for Error

There's more room for error, artfully.

Shooting analog for the first time can be immensely intimidating. I was so overwhelmed by my first few rolls; I think I panic-shot my way through all 36 frames in complete blackout, followed by embarrassment and wonder. It felt like some great magic trick, and I was desperate to peek behind the curtain. Simplifying the capturing process with black-and-white film was like clarifying a deep breath. Instead of perfecting an image's color, my purpose became lighting, frame, and focus.

The de-saturation allows the subject to be centric, making your composition based on lighting and framing rather than the balance of colors. It affects an emotional response; gives an image depth or contrasts in a way that elicits nostalgia or a more profound sense of importance. For the same reason, it can broaden a frame and let their eyes wander or flow through rather than homing in on one corner of a bolder color that demands all the attention.

It's also a more forgiving medium. You can push it a few stops further in low light than you would with color film. B&W allows for some early experimentation to see if that extra grain distracts or adds to the scene you are capturing. After my first few rolls, I would notice some slip-ups with lighting or loss of detail in the shadows, but I honestly felt powerful staring at those scans.

My motley crew of mistakes still left me with beautifully balanced frames that felt intentional with slight alterations or edits.

The Everyday Black and White

Ilford is GOAT overall, and HP5 Plus is my favorite for everyday photography. It's a stock I permanently throw in my weekend bag. Perfect for family photo sessions, landscapes, street photography, or behind-the-scenes imagery.

Like most films, it's all about how you use it. HP5 has a larger grain structure than most, so if you're looking for that cozy vintage feel without too much distraction, this is your stock.

If you've been avoiding black-and-white film for the popularity or boldness of color, I challenge you to take a step back and see where the de-saturation could lead you. Throw it in your Pentax on your next neighborhood walk and experiment. I promise an afternoon with some Ilford will do your heart some good.

"My motley crew of mistakes still left me with beautifully balanced frames that [felt] intentional."