Why I Love Black and White Photography: Vancouver Boudoir and Portrait Studio

You’ve probably noticed I have a particular theme going on in my website gallery, and it’s obvious: almost every single portrait I’ve created is black and white. Maybe you’re wondering, why? Why are almost all these in black and white? Why is there hardly any colour?

The biggest reason is simply that I LOVE black and white photography. Love love love it. Every time I see a boudoir portrait in this style that’s so vintage in its mood and essence, I can’t help but be inspired by it!

Black & White as Art

I really and truly love the simplicity, the mood, and the timelessness of black and white photography, whether it’s boudoir or not. There’s just something so artistic in the way it presents itself to the world and tbh I can’t get enough of it!

Think of the way old movies look and feel (they inspire me too!). Think Frederico Fellini. Think Alfred Hitchcock. Think of the way their films not only strike you through the heart, but pierce all the way to the soul. I don’t know about you, but that sounds EXACTLY like how I feel looking at black and white photos.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”

Leonardo Da Vinci

Black & White vs Colour

“That’s great Michele” you’re probably thinking, “but I’ve seen colour photos too. What’s up with that?”

Yes, colour has its place in the big wide world of photography too. I’m not denying its purpose or existence at all, not even close. Hell, my entire branding portfolio is filled to the brim with colour, and I’ve been editing my Boudoir with it too!!

I am saying though that sometimes, ESPECIALLY in Boudoir photography, I’ve noticed how distracting colour can be. It can draw your focus away from the main subject, when that wasn’t the main point at all. Not to mention there’s a lot of…stuff, in coloured photos, you know? And who needs more stuff in life anyway?! Not me!!

Now, take away all the stuff and even the colours, and what’s left? You guessed it…the woman. Or, if you’re the one doing the Intimate portrait experience, YOU. 

Black & White as Focus

I have always made my work with a deliberate focus on the women in them. Black and white photography helps me to achieve that goal of celebrating YOU, in all your light and darkness, in every angle and line, every single time. 

With black and white boudoir photography, we’re not distracted by colour or a frame full of stuff. We are forced to look at the subject within, without the distraction part. I take out the fluff and the filler because, again, who needs that?!

The intimate portrait experience is less of an excuse to simply take off your clothes and be photographed in your underwear. It’s not that, not even close. 

This is YOUR MOMENT to show the world who YOU are, because sometimes you need to remember you are a f*cking timeless MASTERPIECE. 

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Photos shared with permission.

Michele Mateus is Boudoir, Intimate Portrait, & Nude Fine Art Photographer located in Coquitlam, BC. Serving Coquitlam, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver, and Fraser Valley, BC. Studio, Outdoor, and On-location Boudoir Photography.

Hair & Makeup By Jenny Valla.