If I’m to be completely honest, as a live music photographer, or even a photographer in general, the choice between these two formats can really play on my mind. Some nights spent in front of a screen, editing my life away, it can really be a struggle. The decision I ultimately make can dramatically alter the story and emotion conveyed by the photograph.
The Timeless Appeal of Black & White
Black and white photography has a timeless, classic quality that is truly so hard to replicate. When I’ve made the choice to go monochrome, it’s so often because I want to highlight the raw energy, “grungy-ness”, and emotion of the scene. Without the distraction of colour, attention is drawn to the textures, contrasts, and expressions, and certain highlighhts that I believe work so much better with that particular edit. Light and shadow become the star, and this can be incredibly powerful in conveying the atmosphere and energy of a live music event.
Also, when the lighting is poor, uneven, too harsh, or too much of a single hue it can result in photos that would otherwise look overexposed, underexposed, or just unnatural – by converting into black and white, I have given myself the ability to adjust the exposure, contrast, brightness and shadows to make to overall image more balanced.
The Vibrancy and Reality of Colour
On the other hand, colour images have their unique charm and purpose. Colour captures the vibrancy and energy of a live music scene in a way that black and white simply can’t. The vivid hues of stage lights, the colourful attire of the performers and audience, and the overall ambiance of the venue are all elements that colour photography can capture beautifully. When I opt for colour, it’s because I want to present the scene in its most authentic and lively form. I am shooting from a journalistic sense and want the viewer to feel like they’re right there, experiencing the music and the atmosphere as it was while I was there in the midst of it all.
The Artistic Choice
Ultimately, the decision to go black and white or colour is an artistic one. It depends on what aspect of the artist, or concert, or event I want to highlight. Black and white often suits more intimate, raw performances and moments, or when I want to create a sense of nostalgia or timelessness. Colour is my go-to for high-energy shows, festivals, and events where the visual spectacle is as important as the music itself.
I often think about the artists personal aethetic too… do they prefer or predominantly use black and white, or do they like splashes of colour to compliment their brand. Sometimes though, this doesn’t matter and they will see the value in the art, colour or not.
In the end, whether to choose black and white or colour is not just a technical decision, but a deeply personal and artistic one. It’s about what story I want to tell with my photographs and simply what I think looks better overall – allowing each image to speak in its unique voice. Whether it’s in black and white or in full colour, each photograph tells a story, and I’m just the medium through which these stories are told. The real stars are the ones on the other side of my lens.
Ummagummamumma 
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