Black and White Photography
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Digital
21st Century and Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
21st Century and Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper
1950s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
21st Century and Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, C Print, Digital
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Giclée
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Black and White Photography
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Early 2000s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Inkjet
21st Century and Contemporary Naturalistic Black and White Photography
Giclée
1980s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, Black and White, Archival Pigment, Photographic Film, Pi...
1960s Modern Black and White Photography
Black and White
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Black and White Photography
Black and White, Pigment, Archival Pigment
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Digital Pigment
1920s Black and White Photography
Platinum
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
1980s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
20th Century Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1970s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1970s Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper
1980s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Rag Paper, Color
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Black and White Photography
Black and White, Photographic Paper, Color, Digital
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Digital Pigment
2010s Minimalist Black and White Photography
Cotton, Photographic Paper, Digital, C Print
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Black and White, Archival Pigment
Late 20th Century Abstract Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
C Print
1980s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1980s American Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1920s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin, Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Polaroid
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Film, Paper, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
Late 20th Century Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1930s Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1920s Art Deco Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Digital Pigment
Late 20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
Black and White, Archival Pigment
1950s Modern Black and White Photography
Archival Pigment
1970s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1940s Modern Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1920s Black and White Photography
2010s Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1980s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photogravure
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
Early 2000s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Photographic Paper, C Print, Silver Gelatin, Black and White
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Black and White Photography
Giclée
2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
Shop Black and White Photography
There’s a lot to love about black and white photography.
The unique and timeless quality of a black and white photograph accentuates any room. Some might argue that we’re naturally drawn to color photography because it’s the world we know best. This is a shared belief, particularly in the era of camera-phone photography, editing apps and the frenetic immediacy of sharing photos on social media. But when we look at black and white photography, we experience deep, rich shadows and tonal properties in a way that transfixes us. Composition and textures are crisp and engaging. We’re immediately drawn to the subjects of vintage street photography and continue to feel the emotional impact of decades-old photojournalism. The silhouettes of mountains in black and white landscape photography are particularly pronounced, while portrait photography and the skylines of urban cityscapes come to life in monochrome prints.
When decorating with fine photography, keep in mind that some color photographs may not be suitable for every space. However, you can be more daring with black and white photos. The gray tones are classic, sophisticated and generally introduce elegance to any corner of your home, which renders black and white prints amazingly versatile.
Black and white photography adapts to its surroundings like a chameleon might. A single large-scale black and white photograph above the sofa in your living room is going to work with any furniture style, and as some homeowners and designers today are working to introduce more muted tones and neutral palettes to dining rooms and bedrooms, the integration of black and white photography — a hallmark of minimalist decor — is a particularly natural choice for such a setting.
Another advantage to bringing black and white photography into your home is that you can style walls and add depth and character without worrying about disrupting an existing color scheme. Black and white photographs actually harmonize well with accent colors such as yellow, red and green. Your provocative Memphis Group lighting and bold Pierre Paulin seating will pair nicely with the black and white fine nude photography you’ve curated over the years.
Black and white photography also complements a variety of other art. Black and white photos pair well with drawings and etchings in monochromatic hues. They can also form part of specific color schemes. For example, you can place black and white prints in colored picture frames for a pop of color. And while there are no hard and fast rules, it’s best to keep black and white prints separate from color photographs. Color prints stand out in a room more than black and white prints do. Pairing them may detract attention from your black and white photography. Instead, dedicate separate walls or spaces to each.
Once you’ve selected the photography that best fits your space, you’ll need to decide how to hang the images. If you want to hang multiple photos, it’s essential to know how to arrange wall art. A proper arrangement can significantly enhance a living space.
On 1stDibs, explore a vast collection of compelling black and white photography by artists such as Mark Shaw, Jack Mitchell (a photographer you should know), Berenice Abbott and David Yarrow.
Read More
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Some of the Best Beatles Photos Were Taken by Paul McCartney
A trove of recently unearthed personal photos adds another dimension to the abundance of press images of the Fab Four.
This Photo of Big Sur Reveals the Awesomeness and Intimacy of Nature
When a beachcomber accidentally stepped in front of Jeffrey Conley’s camera, a perfect moment was captured.
Queen Elizabeth’s Life in Photos
She was one of the most photographed women in history, but the world’s longest-reigning queen remained something of a mystery throughout her decades on the throne.
Photographer to Know: William Klein
The noted lensman brought a bold sense of irony to fashion photography in the 1950s and '60s, transforming the industry. But his work in street photography, documentary filmmaking and abstract art is just as striking.
David Yarrow Tells Us the Tales behind His Wild, Wild Photography
To capture many of the cinematic images in his new show, the famed photographer traveled to the still-rugged parts of Alaska and the Rocky Mountains, shooting supermodels and carnivores alike.
Lori Grinker’s Artful Photographs of a Young Mike Tyson Are a Knockout!
The New York photographer tells us how an encounter with the then-13-year-old boxer led to a decade-long project that saw them both go pro.
John Dolan’s Photographs Capture the Art and Soul of a Wedding Day
In a new book compiling 30 years' worth of images, the photographer reveals that it's the in-between moments that make a wedding special.