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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, El amor, James Sparshatt

El amor

James Sparshatt

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

$840 $756

Photography, Portrait #1, D-A Woisard

Portrait #1

D-A Woisard

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

$954

Photography, Warrior Bride, AJ Barnes

Warrior Bride

AJ Barnes

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

$1,043

Photography, Kashi, John Kenny

Kashi

John Kenny

Photography - 67 x 45 x 2 cm Photography - 26.4 x 17.7 x 0.8 inch

$1,623

Photography, Family, Ali Buhamad

Family

Ali Buhamad

Photography - 40 x 30 x 5 cm Photography - 15.7 x 11.8 x 2 inch

$1,192

Photography, Tracks II, Bruno Charoy

Tracks II

Bruno Charoy

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

$954

Photography, Untitled, Chema Madoz

Untitled

Chema Madoz

Photography - 60 x 50 cm Photography - 23.6 x 19.7 inch

$7,332

Photography, Jump, Mourad Cherifi

Jump

Mourad Cherifi

Photography - 40 x 60 x 0.02 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0 inch

$656

Photography, Neorupestres, Martí Sala

Neorupestres

Martí Sala

Photography - 30 x 40 x 1 cm Photography - 11.8 x 15.7 x 0.4 inch

$954

Photography, Ray Charles, Philippe Gras

Ray Charles

Philippe Gras

Photography - 60 x 60 x 0.3 cm Photography - 23.6 x 23.6 x 0.1 inch

$1,133

Photography, Sky, Victoire d'Harcourt

Sky

Victoire d'Harcourt

Photography - 160 x 130 x 3 cm Photography - 63 x 51.2 x 1.2 inch

$5,245

Photography, Castaway, Arkadiy Kurta

Castaway

Arkadiy Kurta

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

$1,609

Photography, Surreal Cemetery, Ken Heyman

Surreal Cemetery

Ken Heyman

Photography - 27.9 x 35.6 x 1.3 cm Photography - 11 x 14 x 0.5 inch

$4,800

Photography, Lelo 1, Cristina Aldehuela

Lelo 1

Cristina Aldehuela

Photography - 40 x 60 x 0.1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0 inch

$1,311

Photography, Napoli, Gabriele Basilico

Napoli

Gabriele Basilico

Photography - 102 x 130 x 2 cm Photography - 40.2 x 51.2 x 0.8 inch

$11,921

Photography, Marilyn Monroe, Sam Shaw

Marilyn Monroe

Sam Shaw

Photography - 34.3 x 22 x 0.5 cm Photography - 13.5 x 8.7 x 0.2 inch

$2,265

Photography, El Duende 16, Clara Cena

El Duende 16

Clara Cena

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

$1,013

Photography, Immersion, Mario Tarantino

Immersion

Mario Tarantino

Photography - 70 x 70 x 0.3 cm Photography - 27.6 x 27.6 x 0.1 inch

$924

Photography, 4 monkeys, Samuel Cueto

4 monkeys

Samuel Cueto

Photography - 40 x 50 x 1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 x 0.4 inch

$954

Photography, Go-between, Dominic Rouse

Go-between

Dominic Rouse

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

$1,043

Photography, A cold cliff, Nino Alavidze

A cold cliff

Nino Alavidze

Photography - 30 x 45 x 3 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 1.2 inch

$500

Photography, Ensemble, Julien Poupart

Ensemble

Julien Poupart

Photography - 40 x 60 x 0.1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0 inch

$1,133

Photography, Arum Lily #1, Griselda Duch

Arum Lily #1

Griselda Duch

Photography - 32 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 12.6 x 17.7 x 0 inch

$833

Photography, DeliRiUs, Louis Blanc

DeliRiUs

Louis Blanc

Photography - 70 x 70 x 0.1 cm Photography - 27.6 x 27.6 x 0 inch

$2,086

Photography, Air, Christophe Battifero

Air

Christophe Battifero

Photography - 40 x 30 x 1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch

$426

Photography, Rising Tide, Heikki Willamo

Rising Tide

Heikki Willamo

Photography - 33 x 50 x 1 cm Photography - 13 x 19.7 x 0.4 inch

$3,934

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

$954

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

$894

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Discover the selection of our experts

Print, Figue, André Masson

Figue

André Masson

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

$954

Photography, El amor, James Sparshatt

El amor

James Sparshatt

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

$840

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.