Ever heard the expression ‘ A picture is worth a thousand words’ ? It’s true. With a simple picture you can tell a story and the best part of that story is that it’s one your own imagination can conjure. Take the world famous Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Why is she smiling? Why are her eyes following you? And the biggest conspiricy question of all time: Is that really a man? Imagine if Mona Lisa was a black and white photograph. She’d have a whole different set of emotions hovering around her. Take the color away and your eyes focus on simple details, conture and emotions within the picture. Black and white photographs are a form of art that is seldomly misunderstood but today, I hope to help you clear out some of the misunderstanding by showing you my top ten inspirational examples of black and white photography and telling you a bit about them.

1. Don't wait (Author unknown)

 Don't wait is a pretty shocking image that would not have the same effect on you were it in color. The dramatic way the photographer is telling us not to waste our time makes you think doesn't it? The wrinkles in the elderly man's hand are highlighted by the fact that the picture is black and white. Bone chilling.

2. Floating (Toni Frissel)

A girl floating just under the water surface. It's a poetic way of saying 'keep your head above water'. Can you guess why the photographer didn't use color? Imagine this image in color. The vivid blues (considering the camera used is high pixels) would take your attention away from the girl. The focus should be on the girl and your curiosity should be lured to what she is seeing above water.  Black and white certainly served a purpose here.

3. Pigeons in Flight ( MisterKey)