“The most colourful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colours and at the same time excludes all.” — Vikrmn
On a Sunday afternoon, as I embarked on a cleaning spree, I climbed atop a chair to reach the attic and stumbled upon old family albums covered in dust. Perhaps that’s what I had been unconsciously searching for that day, and the discovery of these forgotten treasures felt serendipitous.
Many of the images were tattered, with the faces of great-grandparents who once held and sang us to sleep distorted by the relentless passage of time. It struck me that photographs from those eras were taken sparingly, and what remained of them had been left alone in the loft, unintentionally neglected for years until stumbled upon during a cleaning endeavour.
Despite their worn state, these retro black-and-white photos possessed a timeless charm that continues to captivate us. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting us to bygone eras and capturing moments frozen in time. I realized that black-and-white photography has a classic quality that transcends trends and fads. By stripping away the distraction of colour, it allows the subject matter to take center stage, making the images feel timeless and enduring.
To my mind, the absence of colour can enhance the emotional impact of a photograph. Black-and-white images often evoke a sense of drama, mystery, or intimacy, drawing viewers into the scene and inviting them to contemplate its meaning. These photos have a nostalgic appeal, reminding us of a simpler time or sparking memories of the past. They can evoke feelings of sentimentality and nostalgia, making them especially resonant for older generations.
Whether capturing candid moments on the streets of a bustling city or portraying the quiet beauty of nature, these retro black-and-white photos continue to inspire and enchant with their timeless elegance and emotional resonance. I believe it’s because emotions come through much stronger in black and white. Colour, while pleasing to the eye, can be a distraction, failing to resonate with the heart in the same profound way.
