Black and White vs. Color Photography
The majority of the photographs taken by the FSA Photographers were in black and white. However, a small amount of photographs were taken in color toward the end of the assignment. Of the thousands of photographs that were taken through the FSA Photography Project only a few hundred were produced in color. Here are some questions to consider about black and white versus color photography during this time frame:
- Color film became readily available during the 1930s. Why did so many photographers choose not to use it?
- Which tone of photograph creates the greatest emotional response? Why?
- Do people prefer color to black and white photos today?
- Today we are able to produce many different color techniques using Photoshop or similar programs. Do you believe that using these types of programs during the Great Depression would have helped the FSA Photography Project or not? Why?
