Colour or black and white? The debate regarding the use of colour or black and white for photographs has been going on for decades. Many traditionalists still prefer the formal appearance of black and white photographs. However, these days there seem to be only a few traditionalists left as more and more photographs are being developed in colour.

Many people are opting for color pictures simply because they are simpler and cheaper to produce. This was not always the case, as it took sometime before the required technology for colour photographs could surpass the quality of black and white photos.

Before colour, black and whites were the standard print used for on film. Many historical materials that may contain pictures are often in black or white. During the early days of photography, black and white processing and printing was more inexpensive than colour. At the same time, black and white photographs had better quality than colour.

At the start, colour photographs were to expensive to process and print compared to black and white. Plus, the outcome of colour photographs was not as crisp or sharp as black and white. It was only until after the eighties when the quality of colour photographs surpassed black and white.

Colour In Today's Photographs

Unfortunately the entrance of colour printing into the main photography scene meant the decline of black and whites. As a result, the supply of black and white film dwindled as well as the facilities that could process and print them. In just a short time, black and white photographs became the exemption in photography while colour became the rule.

In today's world almost everything is in colour. Photographers, amateur and even professionals prefer using colour in order to better express the details of the pictures that they take. In addition, photographs processed and printed in colour are cheaper than black and whites. In fact these days it is easier to get photographs printed in colour than black and whites.

The technology used in photography these days is able to produce photographs that capture each and every vivid detail in colour. Furthermore, the advances in photography have also made it possible for people to convert their existing black and white photographs into colour. The results are astounding as the photograph is vibrantly reprinted in colour without leaving any detail out.

The Resurgence Of Black And White

Following the current trend in revivals, black and white photographs are experiencing a comeback as photographers are rediscovering the power of black and white imagery. Many people now view black and white photos as an innovative take on the usual coloured pictures. At the same time, black and white photos impart a sense of reality that can be lost in coloured pictures.

Print advertising was the first industry to revive the interest in black and white pictures. Gigantic billboards across the country featured ads done entirely in black and white. Since then, black and white photographs became requested all over the place.

Black and whites became popular with brides who wanted to add a historical and classic touch to their wedding pictures. Photography classes have also used black and white photographs as a great way to teach students on how light affects film. However the resurgence of black and white was inevitable because it's simply beautiful.

What Goes With What?

In the early days, people had no choice but to use black and white since it was the only medium available to them. But today, people can choose what they want for their photographs. In most cases, the choice of using colour or black and white is a matter of personal preference.

Keep in mind that most subjects can be taken in black and white. However there are times when using colour can help bring out the true beauty of the subject. You may want to pass up a black and white motif for subjects that are known for color like an autumn settings, flowers and colourful butterflies.

Use a black and white theme for subjects where colour may become a distraction to the viewer. Scenes of war or an accident are more compelling and less violent to look out minus the colour of blood. In this way, black and white photographs relay more emotion without being too disturbing.

Canon is the multinational Japan-based company that deals in the manufacturing of optical and imaging products like digital cameras, handycams, steppers, computer printers, photocopiers and many more. The company has established a strong grip over the market with its extensive and exclusive range of digital cameras, and is enjoying a good fraction of the total market share.

If you are serious about camera picture quality and performance then DSLR or SLR cameras are the best options for you to opt for. There are various features and technically sophisticated functions that collectively result in excellent images, and good lenses are among the vital ones. It is the imaging optics that play an important role from focusing, exposing and capturing an object. Canon camera lenses are well-renowned for their quality and value that attracts enthusiastic photographers. A variety of Canon camera lenses are compatible with other brand cameras as well.

The quality and price of Canon lenses are the two key factors that make them leaders in the market. From the wide range of Canon lenses available, the 'Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS' is a full frame lens which is good for telephoto work. It is especially designed for Canon EOS DSLRs cameras having a APS-C format sensor. The AF of the Canon EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is very quick compare to the conventional DC motor or USM. It proves to be an ideal Image Stabilized lens for professional photographers who are looking for wide-angle zoom lens with telephoto compatibility.

- Devika Rajpali