Some time ago I went to shoot young boxers getting ready for Tammer-turnaus. I had one flash that I balanced with ambient light and moved it around the gym. As you can see, I felt more compelled to focus in the boxers doing their solo training routines instead of sparring. I had planned to do series in black and white but then decided to change my mind. Images would have worked in B&W but not in a way I wanted. By “working” I mean that they emphasize those notions, feelings and accents that the photographer wants.

I have a complicated relationship with B&W.  I do love it – as most photographers do – but I find it hard justifying the use of it in photojournalism.  I mean it is year 2010 – not 1940. I understand that using B&W is a way of getting rid of some distracting factors and the eye has a chance to pay more attention in composition and form. But at the same time you are also depriving information. I am not saying that “thou shalt not covet the world of no colors”. What I am saying is that it feels problematic.

Some photographers doing B&W also state that it links their work to the lineage of the classic photojournalism – in a way recognizing the tradition. Fair enough, I can understand that. But still, I feel that it is a way of aestheticizing the world around us. And I’m not claiming that there is such thing that as objective photography. Choices are made through out the whole process, from choosing a specific lens to post-production – and many of those choices are aesthetical. And heck, many of these photos are purely aesthetical! But for me it is a gut feeling that the use of B&W is like bringing harmony to where there wasn’t any to start with.

I feel that after taking down the color the photo is no longer “here”.  It moves somewhere where it dresses up in many disguises and picks up loads of historical baggage. It becomes hostile and introverted towards us who have the burden or the pleasure of existing here and now – smirkingly waving goodbye.  It seems determined to cease to exist.

Posted by Jarkko
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