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Black and White Photography for Sale

Black and white photography is a timeless technique that continues to captivate modern audiences, though it was once the only form of photography available. It is often associated with historical moments, vintage aesthetics, and a nostalgic feel, making it a powerful medium for capturing timeless imagery.

The origins of black and white photography date back to the 1830s when Joseph Nicéphore Niépce discovered how to print images onto metal plates. Following his death in 1833, Louis Daguerre, alongside François Arago, developed the daguerreotype—a process in which an image was created on a silver plate by exposure to light. This breakthrough invention laid the foundation for the photography we know today.

In its early stages, black and white photography was used primarily for research, but it quickly gained popularity. The advent of daguerreotype studios brought photography to the public, and black and white portraits became common, immortalizing the upper middle classes and eventually capturing all walks of life. Portraits of celebrities also became a key focus for photographers, a tradition carried on by Jean-Loup Sieff almost a century after the invention of photography.

While the first colored photographs appeared as early as 1860, it wasn't until the 20th century that the technique gained widespread use. During this time, many celebrated photographers emerged, contributing to the art of photography. Street photography, in particular, became a prominent style, with iconic photographers like Robert Doisneau, Brassaï, and Henri Cartier-Bresson capturing the urban landscapes and candid moments of the era. Their ability to freeze fleeting moments in black and white has made their work iconic, evoking a sense of nostalgia and emotion that transports us to the past.

In the United States, the humanist photographer Walker Evans played a key role in shaping black and white photography. He captured everyday life in modern America, whether in the bustling New York subway or the rural highways of the Deep South. Robert Frank followed in his footsteps, capturing raw, emotional portraits of the American people, marked by his unique photographic style and composition.

However, black and white photography isn't limited to everyday scenes—it can also elevate landscapes, as demonstrated by photographers like Kasra. His use of long exposure in black and white creates soft, ethereal effects that convey the passage of time in an extraordinary way. Photographers like Michael Kenna and Ricky Cohete also excel in this genre, capturing breathtaking black and white landscapes.

The contrast between black and white in photography is often used to enhance visual impact. Black, representing darkness or melancholy, and white, symbolizing light and hope, work together to accentuate form and contrast in a sophisticated and elegant manner. This combination directs the viewer's focus to the subject matter, creating powerful imagery that speaks to emotions.

Black and white photography often evokes nostalgia, embedding a sense of timelessness in each image. Its ability to capture moments frozen in time makes it a unique and enduring artistic choice.

At Artsper, we invite you to explore this captivating art form with a curated selection of works from renowned photographers such as Brno Del Zou, Yevgeniy Repiashenko, Emmanuelle Barbaras, Bert Stern, Alexander Benz, and Hervé Gloaguen. These artists showcase the power and beauty of black and white photography, offering a glimpse into moments of history and emotion through their lens.

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Photography, Solo dance, Shulan Wang

Solo dance

Shulan Wang

Photography - 45 x 30 x 1 cm Photography - 17.7 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch

CHF 779

Photography, Mur 007, Sophie Bassouls

Mur 007

Sophie Bassouls

Photography - 48 x 33 x 1 cm Photography - 18.9 x 13 x 0.4 inch

CHF 730

Photography, Square Dance, Art Grafts

Square Dance

Art Grafts

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 cm Photography - 20 x 16 inch

CHF 584

Photography, Fall, Tenesh Webber

Fall

Tenesh Webber

Photography - 28 x 28 cm Photography - 11 x 11 inch

CHF 2,319

Photography, Cowboy, Stuart Redler

Cowboy

Stuart Redler

Photography - 122 x 88 x 0.1 cm Photography - 48 x 34.6 x 0 inch

CHF 2,493

Photography, Kilian, Alexis Berg

Kilian

Alexis Berg

Photography - 30 x 30 cm Photography - 11.8 x 11.8 inch

CHF 516

Photography, Frères, Michel Birot

Frères

Michel Birot

Photography - 80 x 120 x 0.1 cm Photography - 31.5 x 47.2 x 0 inch

CHF 7,690

Photography, Gullwing, Franck Leclerc

Gullwing

Franck Leclerc

Photography - 33 x 40 x 1 cm Photography - 13 x 15.7 x 0.4 inch

CHF 672

Photography, Manège, Alexis Duclos

Manège

Alexis Duclos

Photography - 50 x 50 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19.7 x 19.7 x 0 inch

CHF 701

Photography, Tranquility, Sarolta Bán

Tranquility

Sarolta Bán

Photography - 35.6 x 30.5 cm Photography - 14 x 12 inch

CHF 779

Photography, Discrepancy, Esther Song

Discrepancy

Esther Song

Photography - 45.72 x 60.96 x 1 cm Photography - 18 x 24 x 0.4 inch

CHF 487

Photography, Untitled #10, Josef Nadj

Untitled #10

Josef Nadj

Photography - 25 x 30 cm Photography - 9.8 x 11.8 inch

CHF 1,071

Photography, Björk, Renaud Monfourny

Björk

Renaud Monfourny

Photography - 40 x 30 cm Photography - 15.7 x 11.8 inch

CHF 1,460 CHF 1,314

Photography, Neck Tattoo, Warwick Saint

Neck Tattoo

Warwick Saint

Photography - 78.7 x 63.5 cm Photography - 31 x 25 inch

CHF 1,538

Photography, First one, Isabelle Picarel

First one

Isabelle Picarel

Photography - 80 x 53 x 2 cm Photography - 31.5 x 20.9 x 0.8 inch

CHF 769

Photography, Chantilly, Ahmet Sel

Chantilly

Ahmet Sel

Photography - 40 x 40 x 0.1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 15.7 x 0 inch

CHF 642

Photography, Mark Ronson, Noa Grayevsky

Mark Ronson

Noa Grayevsky

Photography - 10.752 x 8.847 x 0.3 cm Photography - 4.2 x 3.5 x 0.1 inch

CHF 1,460

Photography, Eux deux, Bogdan Kotewicz

Eux deux

Bogdan Kotewicz

Photography - 50 x 50 x 0.3 cm Photography - 19.7 x 19.7 x 0.1 inch

CHF 1,168

Photography, Sharpness 02, Milen Radev

Sharpness 02

Milen Radev

Photography - 50.6 x 40.6 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19.9 x 16 x 0 inch

CHF 964

Photography, Le circassien, Michel Verna

Le circassien

Michel Verna

Photography - 30 x 45 x 0.2 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 0.1 inch

CHF 487

Photography, Artichoke II, Shine Huang

Artichoke II

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

CHF 1,538

Photography, Lion staring, Eric Isselée

Lion staring

Eric Isselée

Photography - 100 x 62.5 x 5 cm Photography - 39.4 x 24.6 x 2 inch

CHF 3,796

Photography, Vigilant, Monica Denevan

Vigilant

Monica Denevan

Photography - 40 x 50 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 inch

CHF 1,565

Photography, Sac à main, Patrick Sicolli

Sac à main

Patrick Sicolli

Photography - 51 x 37 x 1 cm Photography - 20.1 x 14.6 x 0.4 inch

CHF 574

Photography, Banana leaves #7, Ed Reddon

Banana leaves #7

Ed Reddon

Photography - 21 x 14 x 0.2 cm Photography - 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.1 inch

CHF 68

Photography, Falaise, Charles Bayonne

Falaise

Charles Bayonne

Photography - 40 x 60 x 5 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 2 inch

CHF 535

Photography, Hit by a bus, Norman Reedus

Hit by a bus

Norman Reedus

Photography - 20.32 x 25.4 x 1 cm Photography - 8 x 10 x 0.4 inch

CHF 1,460

Photography, Manufactura 3, Oriol Texidor

Manufactura 3

Oriol Texidor

Photography - 40 x 50 x 7 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 x 2.8 inch

CHF 1,226

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Print, Figue, André Masson

Figue

André Masson

Print - 26 x 19 x 0.1 cm Print - 10.2 x 7.5 x 0 inch

CHF 779

Photography, El amor, James Sparshatt

El amor

James Sparshatt

Photography - 40 x 50 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 inch

CHF 690 CHF 621

Need help with Black and White Photography ?
What does black and white mean in photography?

In photography, black and white means that all color has been removed from the image, leaving just shades of gray that span from black to white. This can either be done digitally or by using black and white film. 

What is good about black and white photography?

Many photographers and artists use black and white photography because it removes the distraction of color from an image. This can draw more focus to elements of the image such as the facial expression or gesture of the subject, the composition, or the shapes and textures.

What techniques are used in black and white photography?

Black and white photography is generally shot using the same equipment as color photography (although if film, using black and white film), but artists may optimise their results by looking for high contrast images, light sources, and interesting textures. 

What is black and white photography?
Black and white photography is an artistic technique that captures images in shades of gray, without color. It emphasizes contrasts, textures, and composition, offering a timeless and expressive view of subjects.
What is a black and white photoshoot called?
A black and white photoshoot is called a "monochrome photoshoot" or "black and white photoshoot." This style emphasizes contrasts, textures, and emotion, making it a popular contemporary photography style on Artsper.
Why use black and white in photography?
Black and white photography highlights contrasts, shapes, and textures, offering a more emotional and timeless interpretation of the image. It also allows you to focus on the essentials, without the distraction of color.
What are black and white photos called?
Black and white photographs are called monochrome photographs. They are distinguished by the absence of color, emphasizing contrasts, textures, and light, and are highly prized in contemporary art.