Do black and white photos have a place in wedding submissions? It’s a good question! But, it’s not as easy as a yes or no answer. The truth: it varies from publication to publication.
You’ll find that some wedding publications will ask you to limit black and white photos when sending over a gallery, while others will welcome them. Ruffled Blog, for example, asks submitters to keep black and white photos to a minimum. And Style Me Pretty shares that while they love color photos as they look best on the blog, they do still use black and white photos peppered in. Other publications welcome black and white images, but ask that you provide the color version as well in your gallery.
So, it’s important to always check the blog or magazine’s submission guidelines first before sending your selection of favorites over for consideration. This is one of the reasons why I like to cull a submission set of photos for each blog or magazine I submit to. But, that’s a post for another day!
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If you’re planning to include some black and white photos in your wedding or editorial submissions, here are some tips and tricks:
Tips For Including Black and White Photos In Your Wedding Submission
- When possible, I always like to include the color version of the black and white photo I chose just in case the publication would like to have both options. If you’re a wedding planner or another vendor submitting the wedding and only have access to what the photographer sent you, try to find a similar color photo of the same moment or detail that you can include along with the black and white photo you chose. Editors will appreciate having the option!
- Use black and white photos when lighting isn’t in your favor. Sometimes black and white photos can save a shot that just isn’t quite right because of lighting, like a dim ballroom, church ceremony or sparkler exit.
- Help tune out the “color noise” in a particular setting. Sometimes, it can be hard working with church ceremonies or ballroom receptions because of the brightly colored carpet or wallpaper. I find that using black and white images here can save a submission!
- Use black and white images to highlight a sentimental moment or detail. There’s just something a little bit more romantic about a black and white image. When scrolling through a wedding feature, a black and white photo really makes me stop and look. Use them sparingly so that they can create that “stop and look” moment to reflect on something extra special. Some examples might be a tear-filled reveal between a parent and bride or groom, an emotional first look, or an heirloom detail included by the couple in their design.
