Monochrome photography is any photography that utilizes differing amounts of light instead of different colors to capture and represent images. Where as standard color photography (known as polychrome) displays colors from across the spectrum, monochrome photography takes only one single color and uses a range of tones to express a sense of color. There are four components to a monochromatic color scheme: hue; tone; shade; and tint. Each has an important role to play in creating a sense of calm and serenity.
The Numero 36 issue “MonoChrome” offers a multitude of fine art photographers whose expertise in monochromatic pictures makes tones, hue’s, shades and tints come alive. Each component playing an important role in the whole experience. We have Dan Katz on the cover creating a dramatic look utilizing one simple color. Yves Kortum is also back to grace our pages again, creating a multi-monochrome work are an excellent example of this phenomenon.
This issue will delight the eye as you can choose to view the photo’s in a warm, cool, light or dark shade to suit your mood. This is one reason why monochrome images can be exceedingly more powerful than color if produced correctly. With the viewer no longer led by colour, the formation of the shapes and patterns leads the eye, guiding how the viewer experiences the artwork. Much like Colin Ward and David Wirt, whose photo’s dynamism normally realised by a vivid palette, through composition alone and undoubtedly the monochrome tones of the work allow this to happen.
By limiting the palette of a work of art, the composition of the piece becomes central to the overall work. With the viewer no longer led by colour, the formation of the shapes and patterns leads the eye, guiding how the viewer experiences the artwork.
Another key attribute that has contributed to the ongoing success of black and white artwork is monochrome’s inexplicable potential to capture and express raw emotion. As previously noted, there is a certain timelessness to greyscale photography that evokes a sense of nostalgia, heightening emotion. In addition, the saturation and high contrast of a monochromatic image often draws the viewers’ eyes to the details;
a small wrinkle or glistening eye that may have been overlooked when shot in colour.
“I’ve been forty years discovering that the queen of all colors is black.” Henri Matisse