While watching a news report about the loss of Walter Cronkite I was touched being reminded of his accolades. How amazing are those that do what they do so diligently and so well. I was equally amazed to see the numerous black and white photographs of him with various dignitaries and others of renown. Our digital world of photography and video is all about color. Even my previous blog article focused on part 1 of 2 on the subject of getting color “right!”

The tributes I watched on Cronkite made me ask myself (again) about how cool is it to do one thing so well? McCartney, great songwriter. Leonard Cohen, a most amazing poet. The scientist that are reaching into outer space with the most amazing technology, how ’bout those highly educated folks? The doctors and natural healers that saved your life, hallelujah! The teacher that motivated you to succeed, you go girl!

I’m a Jack-of-all-trades and, though good at things in general, certainly an excellent example of being a master of none. Some of my clients may argue. I’m humbled!

Life is not always black and white. There are many tones of gray between these extremes. Thus, we argue, we judge, we do everything you can and can’t imagine. Plus, we are surrounded by color. On our computers, we’re offered 16 million tones of color to adjust to our taste and use to our discretion. Ever ask a group of three or more people, “Where do you want to go to eat?” Not always a quick and easy choice (consensus) is it? So, as I watch from behind the curtain I mischievously ask you to choose a color, any color. Then, chuckle as you decide on one from the 16 million choices available. Not fair!

On a side note: Bless the graphic designer because “they” know which color to choose. They are trained professionals. Right, Ben?

“It” is not always black and white. As a photographer, I spend serious effort dealing with tonality which always includes color. When I eliminate color from my photograph I am left with something even more compelling – something I forgot about. It’s the black and white work that seems to be (out there) telling the true story. I’m speaking on the edge of journalistic work, but not limited to… and all the other appropriate legal disclaimers. When you use black and white as a (more) common denominator in telling your photographic story you are asking the viewer to see what the photo is about. I’m very guilty of dazzling my “photo fans and clients” with overwhelming images that are often even more powerful because of their colorful impact. Color can be used to totally mess with you because we know an orange is orange, not blue. We know skin is not bright green and we know the smile welcomes and a glare intimidates.

Walter Cronkite was considered by many to be an important voice for middle America. His words were educational. Even in his death he is still delivering valuable lessons. I have (re-learned) the value of black and white photography and am making a Renaissance-like stand to produce more work in black and white. It’s been years since I’ve shot a wedding. If I were to, I’d be very compelled to do so under the agreement that at least half of the photos delivered to the bride and groom be black and white. I’ll bet you a blue orange they’d be the favorites in the group!

I photographed and produced a video at a private event last weekend for one of the National Football League (NFL) players. Gerald Alexander #42, DB, Jacksonville Jaguars hired me after seeing some of my work. There were a number of guests and other NFL players at the event. It was jamming pool party with over 300 people. My job was to capture the moment. That is not always an easy job, by the way. In fact, “Capturing the moment is a full time job! (TM)”

The photographs included herein are much more telling in black and white than color.

If you are in business or getting new family portraits or doing some “artsy” project, try black and white on for size – unless you prefer to find a slot along with the other 16 million color choices that we are bombarded with habitually from TV to film to magazines to mailings to billboards and on and on and on.

Final thought: Pete Souza is the official White House photographer. I confess that I wanted that job because, though I am that Jack-of-all-trades, I am a master at capturing the moment. He is capturing history in color. I study his work religiously. I realize now why so much of it feels like it is missing the mark. It is not his ability as a photographer. He’s very worthy and I have the highest respect for him – as totally jealous of his job that I am. His photographs of President Obama are in color and “this” is truly a story in American history that should (also) be told in black and white.

“…And that’s the way it is on July 18th two-thousand and nine…”