Why Black and White Photography Matters in My Portfolio

Carl Mazur
Jun 9
3 min read

Black and white photography has always held a special place in my work. Even though I love capturing the intense color of Southern Utah—the reds of Zion, the oranges of Bryce Canyon, the golden aspens in fall—there is something about stripping everything down to light, shadow, texture, and shape that feels more honest in a different way. It removes distraction. It forces you to see differently.

For me, black and white images are not just a style choice. They are a completely different way of thinking while I am out in the field.

Seeing the Scene Differently Before I Even Take the Shot

When I know I am shooting for black and white, I start composing differently right away. Color no longer leads the image. Instead, I pay closer attention to structure—how the subject holds the frame, how the lines move through it, and how the light is shaping everything in real time.

I also make sure I have plenty of subject matter in the frame. Empty space can work in certain images, but black and white photography tends to thrive when there is something substantial to anchor the composition. Rock formations, trees, animals, bridges—anything with texture and presence becomes more important when color is removed.

"Without color to carry the image, the composition has to do all the work."

Why I Slightly Increase Sharpness in Black and White

One small adjustment I’ve found that makes a big difference in my workflow is increasing the sharpening in-camera just slightly when I know I’m shooting black and white.

Not dramatically. Just one small step.

The reason is simple: texture matters more in monochrome. You are no longer relying on warm or cool tones to separate elements. Instead, the viewer is reading the image through detail, contrast, and clarity. Rock surfaces, tree bark, weathered wood, and even subtle changes in terrain become more important.

That extra bit of sharpness helps those textures stand out in a way that feels more intentional and defined, especially when printed.

Why Clouds and Fog Change Everything

If there is one thing I have learned, it is that black and white photography absolutely comes alive when the sky has mood in it.

"Clouds are almost essential."

A completely clear blue sky often does not translate well into black and white because it flattens the contrast. But when clouds roll in, everything changes. Suddenly there are layers in the sky, direction in the light, and natural contrast that helps separate the subject from the background.

Fog is even better in many cases.

Fog simplifies the scene while still adding depth. It removes distractions in the background and allows the subject to stand forward more clearly. At the same time, it creates atmosphere that feels almost cinematic. Some of my favorite black and white images have come from early mornings when fog moves through canyons or forests and softens everything just enough to create separation and mystery.

Without clouds or fog, black and white images can sometimes feel flat. With them, they feel alive.

Why Black and White Will Always Stay in My Portfolio

Even in a world where color photography dominates everything—from social media to fine art prints—I believe black and white still has a powerful place in any portfolio. It forces intention. It removes shortcuts. It demands that light, shape, and emotion carry the image.

When I look back at my black and white work, I notice something interesting. Those images often feel more timeless. They are less tied to a specific moment or trend. They feel like they could have been taken decades ago—or tomorrow.