In a world saturated with color, black-and-white photography commands a unique kind of attention. It forces us to look beyond the surface, to engage with form, texture, and light on a fundamental level. But the true magic lies not just in what is missing, but in what the monochromatic image allows the viewer to contribute. For example, in each photo you see here, the incredible power of tonal suggestion and color memory is evident. Even when a scene is presented entirely in shades of gray, our brains—conditioned by a lifetime of experience—can effortlessly “see” the familiar hues we expect. We project our own memories onto the print.
This week, we will explore this cognitive phenomenon, showcasing how the absence of color can often create a deeper, more personal perception. That is this week’s challenge: seeing color in black and white.
In the featured image, we see the colors of the rainbow. We project the full spectrum onto that beam of light. The tonal shift from the bright center of the arc to the darkening clouds creates a visceral sense of “after-the-storm” light that is often more powerful than the colors themselves. Here are some other examples.
A red stoplight remains undeniably “red” because of our tonal memory.
Even without the rainbow flag colors, the context of the “Castro” sign triggers color memory. The brain recognizes the specific sequence of stripes, allowing the viewer to “see” red, orange, and yellow through variations in luminance. The stoplight, however, is probably more universally recognized in this setting.
This is a classic example of symbolic color memory. The high-contrast relationship between the “white” stars and “dark” blue canton is so iconic that the patriotic palette is felt instantly. The black-and-white format actually enhances the sense of motion and the flag’s graphic strength. Also, the blue sky is obviously present in black and white.
Because the image of Santa is so culturally ingrained, the viewer’s mind automatically applies a vibrant “Santa Red” to the darker fabrics. The high-contrast white trim acts as a mental anchor, reinforcing the festive warmth despite the lack of actual color.
One more example comes from a soccer match.
The mid-toned gray of the field is immediately interpreted as green. By removing the color, the focus shifts to the geometry of the game—the placement of the players and the tension of the moment—while the “greenness” of the pitch remains an understood fact.
Can you think of other examples that illustrate the implied presence of color in a black-and-white photo? I’d love to see your take on the challenge. Sometimes, the color may not be obvious to a general worldwide audience. So, please explain your choices.
I am grateful for the beautiful images you share week after week, including those for Anne’s Time to Relax challenge last week. I hope you will join this week’s challenge, too. Please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people find your wonderful challenge entries.
Next week, Tina will feature a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here they are:
- Tina of Travels and Trifles.
- Patti of P.A. Moed.
- Ann-Christine of Leya.
- John of Journeys with Johnbo.
- Anne of Slow Shutter Speed.
- Sofia of Photographias.
- Egídio of Through Brazilian Eyes.
- Ritva of Ritva Sillanmäki Photography.
- Beth of Wandering Dawgs.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Landscapes, Lens-Artists, and Monochrome. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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📸Lens-Artists #390: Color in B&W – BEING AMAZED: Observations of a Female World Traveler
Pingback: […] this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge #390, Egídio invites us to explore colors in Black and White pictures. How we perceive what we see […]
nesfelicio
Thank you for this thought-provoking challenge.
My contribution.
https://nesfelicio.wordpress.com/2026/03/26/color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for joining in.
Rebecca Cuningham
Thanks for this thought provoking challenge, Egídiio! https://fakeflamenco.com/2026/03/26/i-see-your-true-colors-shining/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for the great response you created. I appreciate your feedback.
norasphotos4u
Here’s mine for the week
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2026/03/25/lens-artists-challenge-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for joining the challenge, Nora.
Lindy Le Coq
This was a fascinating challenge! Here’s my addition to the lesson. https://lindylecoq.com/2026/03/25/lens-artists-challenge-390-color-in-black-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Lindy. I’m glad you’re participating, too.
Leya
Somehow I cannot find my respose – so here it is again.
https://lagottocattleya.com/2026/03/24/lens-artists-challenge-390-colour-in-bw/
This is such a special challenge, Egidio, and your examples so good I had to struggle to find others- and they are not at all as good as yours. Love your imagination and the theme even if I had to struggle…It should be a challenge!
Egidio Leitao
Ann-Christine, many thanks for the feedback and for persisting and not giving up.
Lens-Artists Challenge #390: Colour in Black and White – /ˈsnæp.ʃɒt/
Pingback: […] exactly what Egídio has done with his wonderful theme this week. Our hosts theme is seeing ‘Color in Black and White‘. What Egídio is suggesting is that a lack of colour in an image, ‘forces us to look […]
LENS-ARTISTS CHALLENGE #390 – COLOUR IN BLACK & WHITE – A Moment in Time
Pingback: […] This week Egidio leads the Lens-Artist challenge from his blog at Through Brazalian Eyes. […]
mostlymonochrome
Here’s my effort: https://mostlymonochrome.wordpress.com/2026/03/24/a-butterflys-wing/
The monochrome makes it difficult to see the colours on the wing.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the link. I’ll leave a comment in your post.
Seeing Yellow in BnW | The Day After
Pingback: […] Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Color in BnW […]
Teresa
What a great challenge. This is my take on the topic https://wanderingteresa.com/colour-in-black-white/
Egidio Leitao
I’m glad you liked the challenge, Teresa. Thanks for writing.
Colour in Black & White – Wandering Teresa
Pingback: […] week’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge is from Egidio with the topic of “Colour in Black & White,” and it really made me think. Without colour, […]
L/A Challenge: Black & White – Waste Thought, Want Thought
Pingback: […] Lens-Artist Challenge: Black & White […]
klh048
A great challenge. This certainly caused me to examine my thinking about photography, not just the subject or the technique. This facet of B&W photography was not in my mental toolbox until I gave it some time and dug through enough examples.. My challenge effort is here: https://klh048.wordpress.com/2026/03/23/lens-artist-challenge-390-finding-color-in-black-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Kenneth. I’m glad you added a new item to your toolbox. Thanks also for the link.
Lens Artist Challenge #390 – Finding Color in Black & White | The View From Here
Pingback: […] challenge this week, offered by Egido, is to present images that express color in black and white photography. My first reaction was […]
klara
love your approach on this topic, Egidio. fine examples.
https://lessywannagohome.blogspot.com/2026/03/seeing-colour-in-black-and-white.html
Egidio Leitao
Klara, thank you for your feedback and link.
Wind Kisses
I was thinking , when I saw your title and first image, it is a week to think deeper, and use photos to stand up to interpretation. Then I read your words.
It IS about delving deeper. I noticed more detail, patterns and lines. And who knew a rainbow could become a spotlight from heaven.
Have a good week.
Egidio Leitao
Donna, thank you for dropping by and writing this wonderful note. Take care.
Anita
A great theme, Egidio. As a lover of color this feels a bit tricky, but your reflections on how we ‘see’ color in black and white are truly inspiring. I especially liked your example of the red stoplight.
Egidio Leitao
Anita, like you, I also love colors, especially intense colors. It was an exercise to test my tonal memory. Thanks for the feedback.
Toonsarah
You do know how to set a challenge! This one had me pondering for some time, then a favourite song came into my head and I found a direction for my response: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-imagining-colours/
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, your opening statement put a smile on my face. Thanks for that. I’ll read your post now. I hope you mentioned the song there. You got me curious with the connection between music and photography. Thanks.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Wonderful examples for this monochrome challenge, Egidio. I enjoyed reading about tonal memory and our experiences with expectations of color in its absence. The first one reminded me of how the northern lights look in black and white.
Egidio Leitao
A Northern Light shot would be a good candidate for this challenge. Thanks for writing.
Steve Schwartzman
Your post reminded me that some animals don’t see color. According to AI: “Animals that see exclusively in black, white, and shades of gray are known as monochromats, having only one type of cone receptor or none at all. Confirmed examples include skates (a type of ray), some deep-sea fish, and certain nocturnal mammals. Other examples often cited with monochromatic vision include some bat species, raccoons, and some rodents.”
Egidio Leitao
It’s interesting how that varies from species to species.
Imagine the Colors - Heaven's Sunshine
Pingback: […] Posted for Lens-Artists Challenge: Color in Black and White […]
eklastic
An interesting challenge, Egido. I was tempted to try my hand at tulips as they are so bright and beautiful at the moment but I couldn’t do it, couldn’t denude them of their magnificent colours. I tried something else and like others I think it the prompt works best with wellknown subjects. At least, it did for me: https://picturesimperfectblog.com/2026/03/22/sesame-street-at-the-monochrome-fair/
Egidio Leitao
Elke, your assessment is right on target. Sometimes think can work for us as individuals. However, for universal effect, it works best with well-known subjects, as you point out. Thanks for writing and the link.
eklastic
And I had completely forgotten to comment on your photos. The parachutist is a great photo although at present I’m not really keen on the stars and stripes as a subject. And I adore your landscape with the monochrome rainbow. It works!
Egidio Leitao
Elke, I completely understand your feelings about the stars and stripes. It is awful what is being done here and abroad. You might enjoy my latest post where I mention the attempt to build a wall between Mexico and Texas. Thanks for your feedback.
PR
I love colors! So this theme was really a challenge 😄. But with your excellent examples, I tried my best and here is my entry:
https://flightsofthesoul.wordpress.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-390-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
I’m glad you “felt” the challenge. Your response is great. Thanks for joining the challenge.
Lens Artists #390 – Color in Black and White – Flights of the Soul
Pingback: […] week, Egidio challenges us to remove the color from our pictures and yet, make the observer know what color that […]
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Your photograph of the flag ‘Heights of Patriotism’ is a big WOW.
I really enjoy B & W photographs. I am excited about seeing everyone’s entries.
Thanks for hosting this week.
Isadora 😎
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for taking part and for this positive comment.
Lens Artists – Black & White | Isadora Art and Photography
Pingback: […] Lens Artist Photo Challenge #390 – Black & White […]
Tina Schell
PS. my response is here https://travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-challenge-390-color-in-bw/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks. I left a comment there a few minutes ago.
Egidio Leitao
P.S.: I also wanted to comment you on the quotes. Where in the world do you find them? They are always so appropriate.
Tina Schell
Well Egidio, despite my struggles I see the response is excellent which means maybe it was just me that struggled! I had to laugh when I revisited your post after having seen the concept a few weeks ago and maybe it was power of suggestion or maybe not but we landed on some similar items for sure! I loved your opener especially, and the parachutist is great!!
Egidio Leitao
Tina, you are not alone. Several people have expressed similar struggles and challenging decisions. Well, it is a challenge. Just wait until my next challenge. 🙂 Thanks again for the great examples.
Scenes without color: LAPC - bend branches
Pingback: […] Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Color in Black and White […]
Paul
An interesting and challenging challenge, even for someone who loves monochrome. I particularly liked the Castro image. My offering is
https://lifeinmyyears.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-challenge-390-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
Paul, I’m glad you decided to join. Yup, it’s challenging, but I’m seeing great examples in the responses. Thanks for writing.
Brad Volz
Thanks for an interesting and different challenge Egidio. The idea of tonality makes sense but my brain didn’t fill in color on most of these images.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for the feedback, Brad. I knew that this might work for some. I don’t know what triggers that in our minds. One of the respondents (Joanne Mason) had an interesting explanation in her post.
DailyMusings
https://dailymusing57.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-challenge-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the link. I left my comment in your excellent post.
DailyMusings
Love this idea !
https://dailymusing57.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-challenge-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
I’m so glad you liked the theme. Thanks for saying so and for the link, too.
philosophy through photography
Such a fascinating way to see it, Egidio… even without color, the mind fills in the beauty.
Love your examples. 👍
Egidio Leitao
It doesn’t work all the time, but some examples are deeply rooted in our brains. Thanks for commenting.
philosophy through photography
You are right, Egidio.
Ana
A very interesting theme, Egidio. Wonderful images!!!
Egidio Leitao
Ana, I appreciate your feedback.
Colour in Black and White – Anvica's gallery
Pingback: […] Posted as part of Lens-Artists: Colour in Black and White […]
Color in Black and White – Anvica's gallery
Pingback: […] Posted as part of Lens-Artists: Color in Black and White […]
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
This is a hard one, colors are seen so differently and trying to find suitable well a challenge for sure. You guidance was great as were the images. Here is my take on it https://sillarit.com/2026/03/22/lens-artists-challenge-390-color-in-black-and-white/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Ritva. Yes, we all perceive colors differently. Not everyone will see the absent colors in black and white, but it is fun to experiment. Thanks also for the link.
Stupidity Hole
Great shots you’ve got here. My favourite is the first one by far. I really like the grandness of the space, as well as how dramatic an image it is.
Here’s mine for this one: https://stupidityhole.com/2026/03/22/photographing-dunes/
Egidio Leitao
SH, thanks for the kind words and for joining the challenge.
Perpetua
Egidio, you have given us so much examples with your great black and white photos. No one can top that. These challenges remind me of Cartier-Bresson.
Egidio Leitao
Perpetua, thank you for your detailed comment. The responses have been very surprising to me.
Suzette Benjamin
Wonderful and insightful information, theme, and superb photos, Egidio. Thank you!
Egidio Leitao
Suzette, thanks very much for your note.
Leanne Cole
You have definitely shown us some incredible examples Egidio. It is a challenging challenge, I struggled with it. I’m sure others won’t.
Egidio Leitao
Leanne, thanks for the feedback. It is challenging, I know. Some images work well. I’m loving the examples I’m seeing in the responses.
bushboy
Great idea Egidio. Your examples are so good.
Here’s my contribution
https://bushboy.blog/2026/03/22/lets-play-snakes-and-ladders/
Egidio Leitao
Brian, thanks for the feedback and your post link.
Pamela Zmija Photography
Hi Egidio, here is my submission for this weeks theme – https://yourlifeasartphotography.com/2026/03/21/lens-artists-challenge-390-colour-in-black-and-white/ This was a good one!
Egidio Leitao
Pam, many thanks for joining the challenge.
Vicki
Your challenge this week is a REAL challenge, Egidio. But you’ve provided some exellent example so I imagine participants will find something.
Egidio Leitao
Vicki, I appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Lens Artists Challenge #390: Black and White Tonalities - Joanne Mason Photography
Pingback: […] are my contributions this week. Thanks to Egidio for a great challenge, and my apologies for departing slightly from it. Next week will be Tina‘s turn to issue our […]
restlessjo
It’s a great idea, Egidio, and you’ve chosen the perfect examples xx
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Jo. You ought to see the other responses I’m getting. There are more examples.
tblily☕︎
Your photos are so crisp. So nice, here is mine, https://tblphotos.wordpress.com/2026/03/21/lens-artist-390-hello-kitty/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million for your kind words and link.
Lens-Artist #390: Hello Kitty – tbl.photos
Pingback: […] Lens-Artist Challenge #390: Colour in Black & White hosted by Egiddio, Through Brazilian EyesI went with these cute plush toys. […]
robert heft
Hi Egidio,
What a wonderful and interesting theme you’ve chosen for us. You know I usually share black-and-white photos here—here’s my entry for the challenge, https://wp.me/pfnz9O-11x.
Many greetings, Robert
Egidio Leitao
Robert, many thanks for the feedback.
lens-artists photo challenge – color in black & white – photo robert blog 3
Pingback: […] lens-artists photo challenge […]
Ludwig
This is a neat challenge. You have some gorgeous examples.
Just earlier today I did this conversion:
https://phototalk.cafeludwig.com/2026/03/21/along-the-beach/
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much for the feedback. I loved your post, too.
Pamela Zmija Photography
Interesting Challenge for us Egidio, I really like your examples, the traffic light is so true we know those colour’s!
Egidio Leitao
Pam, thanks for writing. You ought to look at the other team members for more examples.
Sofia Alves
This is such an inspired concept, Egídio and I had fun, there was a lot of trial and error until it finally clicked (at least I hope it did!) Love your San Francisco Spectrum!
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2026/03/21/lens-artists-challenge-colour-in-black-white/
Egidio Leitao
Sofia, thanks for this feedback and link.
Anne Sandler
I love vivid colors and the emotions they provoke. I also love black and white for the textures and details they show. This is going to truly be a challenge and learning experience!
Egidio Leitao
Anne, that is a great way to define the challenge. I look forward to your take on the theme.
Lens-Artists Challenge – Colour in Black & White – photographias
Pingback: […] Posted for Egídio’s Lens-Artists Challenge […]
photobyjohnbo
This challenge is going to be difficult for me. Though I can “imagine” the colors, I can’t really “see” them. I’ll work hard to try to find examples that fit the spirit of the challenge, even though I am probably not up to the task. >grin<
It’s always good to stretch my limits, and I hope I can do it justice!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback. I look forward to your take on the theme.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, This is a great challenge. You’ve given us some wonderful images and descriptions. The rainbow is my favorite.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Beth. Some examples are more obvious to some people.
Dawn M. Miller
Interesting challenge. You’ve given some good examples. I might steal one of those. (lol)
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Dawn. Feel free to use any of the ideas.