When you encounter a photograph that strips away the distraction of color, focusing solely on light, shadow, and form, you are looking at a monochrome image. The specific question of what are black and white pictures called leads to a few precise answers, though the most accurate general term is monochrome photography.
Defining Monochrome and Its Place in Photography
Monochrome, in the context of visual art, refers to any scheme based on a single color or hue. In photography, this translates to images composed in shades of a single color, most commonly black, white, and the grays in between. While the phrase black and white pictures is universally understood, monochrome is the technical descriptor that encompasses this aesthetic. It is a style that removes the complexity of hue, forcing the viewer to engage with contrast, texture, and composition in a more direct manner.
The Technical Distinction Between Monochrome and Grayscale
It is important to differentiate between true monochrome and grayscale. Grayscale images are a strict scale of luminance, containing only neutral gray tones that range from black to white without any color bias. Monochrome images, however, are created using a single pigment or dye, which can result in a subtle tint. For example, an image processed with a sepia tone is monochrome but not grayscale, as it employs brown hues derived from a single color. Therefore, all grayscale photos are monochrome, but not all monochrome photos are strictly black and white.
Historical Context and Artistic Terminology
The history of the medium provides the foundation for how we refer to these images. Before the advent of color film in the mid-20th century, all photography was essentially black and white photography. During that era, professionals and enthusiasts often referred to the medium as "photography" without qualification, as it was the only practical option. The terms "monochrome" and "grayscale" became more prominent in the digital age, distinguishing intentional artistic choices from the full-color capabilities of modern technology.
Alternative Terms and Their Nuances
Black and White: The most common and accessible term, evoking the classic photographic prints of the 20th century.
Monochrome: A sophisticated term favored by artists and critics, highlighting the design principle behind the image.
Grayscale: A technical term indicating an image without chromatic or color information.
Desaturated: Often used to describe a color photo that has been digitally altered to remove color, mimicking the look of a black and white capture.
The Aesthetic and Practical Appeal
Understanding what to call these images is rooted in appreciating why they remain so powerful. By removing color, the photographer directs attention to form, pattern, and emotion. A portrait becomes more dramatic, a landscape feels more timeless, and a street scene gains a gritty authenticity. The absence of color simplifies the visual noise, allowing the viewer to focus on the story told by light and shadow alone.
Modern Usage and Digital Processing
In the digital era, the line between capturing a photo in color and converting it to monochrome has blurred. Photographers often shoot in color (RAW format) and then convert to black and white in post-processing, granting full control over how different colors translate to luminance. This technique allows for a level of precision that was impossible in the film era. Regardless of the method of creation, the output is generally categorized as a monochrome photograph, preserving the legacy of the medium while embracing modern technology.
