The texture, depth, and timeless quality that film brings to monochrome images are unmatched, there's always something special about a black and white shot.
Despite digital imagery dominating the photography landscape, there's still a space for black and white film photography, providing a finished shot that really is unrivalled by digital imagery.
We've compiled a list of the best black and white film photographers to keep on your radar in 2024!
The Best Black and White Film Photographers To Watch In 2024
1. Joni Sternbach
Joni Sternbach is a photographer who specialises in large-format black and white film photography, with a focus on seascapes and environmental portraits.
Her work often involves the tintype process, giving her images a distinctive, vintage feel. Sternbach’s portraits of surfers and ocean landscapes are particularly striking, capturing both the majesty of the natural world and the rugged individuality of her subjects.
Sternbach’s commitment to traditional photographic techniques, combined with her environmental focus, makes her work particularly relevant in today’s discussions around climate change and conservation.
Have a look at her Instagram profile below for more of her work, if this doesn't make you fall in love with black and white film, we don't know what will!
2. Bryan Schutmaat
Bryan Schutmaat’s black and white film photography captures the rugged beauty of the American West.
His work often features vast landscapes, small towns, and the people who inhabit them, creating a narrative that is both nostalgic and reflective. Schutmaat’s images are characterised by their rich tonal range and meticulous composition, evoking a sense of timelessness.
Schutmaat’s upcoming projects in 2024 promise to continue his exploration of American identity, using the stark beauty of black and white film to document the changing face of rural America. Check out his profile below!
3. Samuel Elkins
Samuel Elkins (@samuel.elkins) is a photographer whose Instagram showcases his love for film photography, particularly in black and white.
Elkins’ work often features landscapes and portraits that are rich in texture and atmosphere. His ability to capture the subtle interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and emotion in his images.
Elkins’ dedication to the craft of film photography, coupled with his keen eye for detail, makes him a standout artist on Instagram.
4. Emily Swift
Emily Swift is based in the US and is an avid shooter of film, who predominately shoots and shares her black and white film photography.
She shoots gorgeous, thought provoking portratit shots as well as stunning landscape photography.
Emily even has her own film lab based in Connecticut, she clearly knows a thing or two about film!
5. Abinav Thakuri
Abinav Singh is an emerging talent in the world of black and white film photography who has been steadily gaining recognition on Instagram.
His work is characterised by a deep appreciation for the timeless aesthetics of monochrome film, capturing scenes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotional depth.
He predominantly shoots candid street scenes of landscapes. His ability to convey emotion through his lens is what makes his work stand out.
6. Frank Sollecito
Frank Sollecito is a black and white film photographer whose work stands out for its nostalgic and cinematic quality.
His images often capture quiet, introspective moments, whether in urban settings or serene landscapes, evoking a strong sense of place and emotion.
Sollecito’s mastery of composition and light creates a timeless feel in his work, making each photograph resonate with a sense of depth and story.
As a photographer committed to the analogue process, his Instagram feed is a must-follow for anyone interested in the enduring art of film photography.
7. @Foxicee
Based in the UK and mostly shooting on film, black and white and disposables, we couldn't love the photographer behind this account more.
An electric mix of landscapes on his travels, with a sprinkle of live gigs thrown into the mix.
8. Ahmed @ 35mm.cairo
Ahmed is a talented black and white film photographer whose work is characterised by its minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful composition.
His photography often explores themes of solitude, architecture, and the interplay between light and shadow.
Each image Ahmed captures is a study in simplicity, where every element in the frame is deliberate and contributes to the overall mood. His ability to find beauty in the mundane and create evocative, contemplative scenes makes his work stand out. He has a strong focus on portrait shots on black and white, be inspired by more of his work below!
9. Jet Delicana
Capturing the everyday of exciting travels, Jet captures thought provoking shots that highlight real lives across the globe. He explores themes of identity, connection, and the human experience, making his photography both powerful and personal.
There's something exciting and enthralling about his images, we promise you won't stop scrolling when you look at his work.
These 9 photographers are pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with film in today's world, using their unique perspectives to tell stories that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
Whether through portraits, landscapes, or abstract compositions, these artists are keeping the tradition of black and white film photography alive and well in 2024. Have we missed off any black and white photographers that you love? Let us know!
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