Like countless other photographers, I just adore black and white photography. This simple medium has such powerful story telling and really allows you to focus on the emotion of the overall image.
As food photography is all about storytelling and the emotional connection we have with food, it’s incredibly strange that black and white food photography just looks so wrong.
A few years ago, I set out on a journey to challenge the fact that black and white food photography couldn’t look appetising. To do this, I focused on real food that didn’t have any colour other than blacks, whites, browns or pale yellows. I didn’t convert the shots to black and white but instead tried to focus on texture in void of interest from colour.
To keep up to date with this photo series, you can check out my portfolio of black and white images.
Black and White Food Photography
Black and white are two words that don’t seemingly go together in food photography.
It’s most likely because food is part of what keeps us alive and our brains are so hardwired when it comes to how food should look, feel and taste that colour and texture plays such an important role.
I’m sure we’ve all experienced just how ‘wrong’ images of food can look in a black and white medium. If you’ve ever accidentally applied a black and white filter whilst editing, you’ll know what I mean. You can’t press the undo button fast enough.
Yet despite that, I am still so fascinated by the idea of Black and White food photos. I wanted to take the concept and shoot something beautiful, something that didn’t instantly repulse the brain.
So I decided to flip the term to create Photography of Black and White Food.
Same same but different. Actually beautiful. Now I will be the first to admit that this idea isn’t unique to me, as Elizabeth Gilbert would say this idea has visited other food photographers on its journey to realisation, this is my take on it.
Here are some of these shots and I hope they inspire you!
I even entered one of these shots into the Pink Lady Food Photography competition and it was shortlisted! That just goes to show that black and white photos of real food can be beautiful!
For more black and white food photos inspiration, you can check out my portfolio of black and white images.
Have you tried to take any black and white photos of food? Let me in know in the comments below!
Jena | Little Rusted Ladle
GORGEOUS!! That half made pie is so elegant! I love black and white food. We did a lovely black and white series for New Years. Here are a couple of them you might like! http://www.littlerustedladle.com/2014/12/29/black-white-appetizers-vanilla-custard-blackberries/ and http://www.littlerustedladle.com/2014/12/27/black-white-appetizers-squid-ink-spaghetti-scallops/
Rachel
Hey Jena! Oh wow, thanks for sharing those with me. How great is it that this same idea has visited us both? I love your composition with the pasta on the spoons. Very cool. The half pie is my favourite too!
Susan
Absolutely gorgeous Rachel! It puts me in mind of the wonderful black/white magazine issue that Donna Hay put out a few years ago. I think I’ve still got it somewhere…
Rachel
Thanks Susan. Yes I remember that issue well. The White pana cotta they did? To die for. I wish I still had a copy of that issue.
Jo || The Luminous Kitchen
Ok so I read the title of your email and clicked through. While page was loading I was thinking about Penny and how she says you have to assign yourself your dream assignments and then I read it in your second paragraph!! Smiling the whole way through this post and simply in awe! Exquisite work babe!! ????
Rachel
Really! That is too spooky. Great minds think alike as they say. That seriously resonates with me and some of the best advice I think I will ever have received. Keeps my passion alive. Cheers for the kind words as always.
merilyn
your work is simply stunning! thankyou for your beautiful aesthetic Rachel!
love m:)X
Rachel
Thank Merilyn! Such kind words. Also, how cool is that you’ve been following decor8 for years. The internet can be a small world sometimes.
Jasmine
Stunning Rachel! Reminds me of the Donna Hay Black and White issue a while ago, it was such a stunning issue to see black and white foods and such a restrained colour palate. I love setting yourself a challenge and then nailing it. You definitely have… that half done lattice pie is gorgeous.
Rachel
I love the pie too! Yes, I tell you there were quite a few shots that didn’t work out and I really had to push myself and up my game. I really learnt a lot from this project. That issue of Donna Hay was truly amazing. I was just replying to Susan, the white pana cotta they did, truly amazing.
Helen Tzouganatos
These images are stunning Rachel. They belong on the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar!!
Rachel
Wouldn’t that be amazing hey!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I can’t believe how the black and white draws your eyes to the star of the show. There are no colors to distract other than what comes through with the star. It reminds me of a black tie affair whereby everyone is dressed in black but somehow if there is just one person is in white — that is where the eyes go. This is a great study, Rachel!!
Rachel
I like the journey that you were taken on! Without colour, I learned a lot about the shapes and preparation of food. Was a neat little exercise.
Aysegul
I am speechless Rachel. These photos are incredibly creative and beautiful.
I have never tried this technique, but I am so inspired to give it a try.
PS: That lattice pie is all my dreams come true in a food photo. <3
Rachel
Oh that is too kind. You totally should. Or even another colour would be cool too like all red or all green!
Pang
oh my goodness, Rachel, these photos are SO BEAUTIFUL beyond my imagination. I agree with you B&W is indeed simple, yet emotional. I have never been able to capture the beauty of it in food, just yet. This post of yours is so inspiring and all around fantastically wonderful. Thank you so much for the inspiration. I love love love every single photos here.
Rachel
As always, thank you Pang. I feel photography of black and white food looks more realistic than a black and white filter and so creates some new depth to the image. I have quite a few shots from the project, but only posted the best! Glad you love, love, love them!
betty
This is too inspirational! I love it – and thanks to Aysegul for introducing me to your work! 馃檪
Rachel
Oh hey there Betty! What a lovely surprise. I love your work, especially how you bring alive seafood. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t be shy and keep in touch!
Kristi
No words…seriously, these are massively inspiring! So gorgeous…
Rachel
Thanks Kristi! It was a fun and challenging project. Do you have a favourite image?
Laura
I’m fascinated with your job Rachel, this project is very beautiful. You have a special gift for sharing your love for photography and inspiring us through your words.
Rachel
Sometimes I have so many ideas and others, it like a massive drought. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Noi Tran
Awesome! What an interesting concept, well done. Love it!
Rachel
Thanks Noi, glad you enjoyed it!
Shivaji
One word “Beautiful”
Rachel
Thanks Shivaji. I’ll take that!
dona holmes
that’s really great photos i love it keep going . i really want to be like you i mean i fall in love with your photos
i hope i can be good photographer like you .
Rachel
Thanks for those kind words Dona. If you practice and stay true to yourself, you’ll be a great photographer!
alexis
This was an amazing article! I have never used the word “sexy” to describe food pictures, but this was incredibly inspiring. I’m getting into food photography and I’m so motivated by these beautiful images. awesome job!
Rachel
Thanks Alexis! Sexy it is then. haha.
Marcela Senise
those are just beautiful shots!!
Rachel
Thanks so much Marcela! I did learn a lot doing this project and having to think about how images would look in black and white!
Jess
Thank you Rachel for the inspiration, your photos are really elegant & beautiful. Black & white has always been my favourite, hope to try this style and improve my photography.
Rachel
Thanks Jess for those kind words. I hope this has inspired you to try out a project like this of your own. Please do share your images with me if you do! Have a lovely day.
Renana
Great inspiration and pictures! makes me want to try it too 馃檪
Rachel
So pleased to hear this Renana! Please do share your creations with us 馃檪
Claudia
So so beautiful and inspiring!
Rachel
Thanks, Claudia!
Andreya
It’s an awesome post. They look fantastic. great inspiration Rachel. 馃檪
Rachel
Thanks Andreya!
Liliana Lafranchi
Wow it looks so beautiful and clean! Love it!!
Rachel
Thanks so much Liliana