Black&White and Sepia Vs. Color
As I said when I initially answered anon's question, black and white and sepia is ultimately used based on the perception of the photographer. Some photographers prefer black and white over any color shot they take. An example of a black and white orientated photographer was Richard Avedon. Through his personal photography style, Richard Avedon revolutionized the world of photography while shooting in black and white. He would creatively have the subject positioned and would have them contrast very well with the background he had chosen.
-Richard Avedon's photograph of Marilyn Monroe
-Richard Avedon's photograph of Dovima with Elephants
Now, I'm no Richard Avedon, but I do know that if you plan on adapting a black and white style, lighting and background choice are going to be crucial components when you are photographing. If the light is overbearing on the subject, you could have the chance that the subject gets lost in the photo.
Same photo with unbalanced lighting:
In the first photo, there is much more detail visible to the viewer than there is in the second photo. The audience can see the snow on the cactus as well as see the contrast between the drops of water and the cactus needles. The cloud pattern is much more visible and the clouds don't lose the cactus needles in them. Lighting can be tricky to get a handle on, but it just takes practice.
As far as using black and white over using color goes, there are two things to keep in mind:
1) Are you satisfied with the photo? If any photographer is unsatisfied with the way their photograph looks, then it shouldn't be used. If you appreciate the colors over what the photograph looks like in black and white or sepia, then don't use those color enhancements.
I personally feel like the colored image would be best to use since the range of colors are more appealing to the audience. Since that would be the case, I wouldn't use the black and white or sepia enhancements because they take away from the image as a whole.
2) Going off of that, sometimes images are good when it comes to the subject and the lighting, but the colors don't work well together or are distracting. If this is the case, then enhancing the image to be black and white or sepia would be a great option to try out.
Example of overbearing color:
Edited with B&W enhancement:
In this case, the original photo had too much saturated colors that didn't compliment each other. However, the photo becomes much more balanced when it has the black and white applied with it along with a little bit of contrast.
I hope this helped a little bit, anon! Just remember, applying color enhancements are always up to you as the photographer and are there for your benefit. Thanks for the ask!
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