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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, Men Working, Ken Heyman

Men Working

Ken Heyman

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

€4,369

Photography, MP170, Yasuo Kiyonaga

MP170

Yasuo Kiyonaga

Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch

€500

Photography, Autoportrait, Feng Hatat

Autoportrait

Feng Hatat

Photography - 50 x 35 x 2 cm Photography - 19.7 x 13.8 x 0.8 inch

€600

Photography, Désert, Tanguy Mendrisse

Désert

Tanguy Mendrisse

Photography - 60 x 40 x 0.2 cm Photography - 23.6 x 15.7 x 0.1 inch

€260

Photography, Poem, Rosti Likachev

Poem

Rosti Likachev

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

€616

Photography, Dune, Tanguy Mendrisse

Dune

Tanguy Mendrisse

Photography - 60 x 40 x 0.2 cm Photography - 23.6 x 15.7 x 0.1 inch

€260

Photography, Sahara, Tanguy Mendrisse

Sahara

Tanguy Mendrisse

Photography - 60 x 40 x 0.2 cm Photography - 23.6 x 15.7 x 0.1 inch

€260

Photography, Malasso, John Kenny

Malasso

John Kenny

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

€980

Photography, Conversation, Feng Hatat

Conversation

Feng Hatat

Photography - 70 x 50 x 2 cm Photography - 27.6 x 19.7 x 0.8 inch

€500

Photography, Old time, Gerry Cranham

Old time

Gerry Cranham

Photography - 30 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 0 inch

€690

Photography, The Old Firm, Gerry Cranham

The Old Firm

Gerry Cranham

Photography - 30 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 0 inch

€690

Photography, MP323, Yasuo Kiyonaga

MP323

Yasuo Kiyonaga

Photography - 48.3 x 39.2 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 15.4 x 0 inch

€500

Photography, Shakespeare, Feng Hatat

Shakespeare

Feng Hatat

Photography - 40 x 60 x 2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 inch

€600

Photography, Village YaoLi, Feng Hatat

Village YaoLi

Feng Hatat

Photography - 40 x 60 x 2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 inch

€600

Photography, El Barbudo, James Sparshatt

El Barbudo

James Sparshatt

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

€857 €772

Photography, Groupe, Feng Hatat

Groupe

Feng Hatat

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

€600

Photography, Autoroute, Feng Hatat

Autoroute

Feng Hatat

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

€600

Photography, Forêt, Feng Hatat

Forêt

Feng Hatat

Photography - 30 x 45 x 5 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 2 inch

€500

Photography, Nature morte II, Feng Hatat

Nature morte II

Feng Hatat

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

€600

Photography, Nature morte I, Feng Hatat

Nature morte I

Feng Hatat

Photography - 70 x 50 x 1 cm Photography - 27.6 x 19.7 x 0.4 inch

€600

Photography, Éolienne, Feng Hatat

Éolienne

Feng Hatat

Photography - 50 x 70 x 5 cm Photography - 19.7 x 27.6 x 2 inch

€600

Photography, Garage, Feng Hatat

Garage

Feng Hatat

Photography - 70 x 50 x 5 cm Photography - 27.6 x 19.7 x 2 inch

€650

Photography, Forêt, Feng Hatat

Forêt

Feng Hatat

Photography - 50 x 70 x 5 cm Photography - 19.7 x 27.6 x 2 inch

€500

Photography, Neige, Feng Hatat

Neige

Feng Hatat

Photography - 40 x 60 x 1 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0.4 inch

€600

Photography, En route VIII, Feng Hatat

En route VIII

Feng Hatat

Photography - 40 x 60 x 2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 inch

€600

Photography, En route VII, Feng Hatat

En route VII

Feng Hatat

Photography - 40 x 60 x 2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 23.6 x 0.8 inch

€600

Photography, Control, Ali Buhamad

Control

Ali Buhamad

Photography - 40 x 50 x 5 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 x 2 inch

€455

Photography, Sunflowers, Mihaela Ivanova

Sunflowers

Mihaela Ivanova

Photography - 40 x 40 x 0.2 cm Photography - 15.7 x 15.7 x 0.1 inch

€530

Photography, MP465, Yasuo Kiyonaga

MP465

Yasuo Kiyonaga

Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch

€500

Photography, MP187, Yasuo Kiyonaga

MP187

Yasuo Kiyonaga

Photography - 32.9 x 48.3 x 0.1 cm Photography - 13 x 19 x 0 inch

€500

Photography, MP338, Yasuo Kiyonaga

MP338

Yasuo Kiyonaga

Photography - 48.3 x 32.9 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19 x 13 x 0 inch

€500

10/87

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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

€800

Photography, El amor, James Sparshatt

El amor

James Sparshatt

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

€734

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.