The argument, which claims that color photographs are more realistic than black and white ones, depends heavily on assumptions, biases, and over-generalizations. While the author mentions that there are ‘more types of color film than black-and-white film,’ he fails to mention that there are indeed more types of black and white film than there are of any color film. Furthermore, he fails to mention that the black-and-white film market has been dying out since the advent of digital photography, which eliminates the film processing step and allows the images to be viewed almost immediately. While color film is still heavily used, the black-and-white market is all but nonexistent, as are portrait photographers. There are, however, many other types of photographic work, such as landscape, fine art, and documentary, that are far better suited to black and white film

Instead of simply stating that color film is more ‘realistic,’ the author should have provided specific reasons as to why particular images look better in color. He would have needed to show actual examples, and he probably would not have had the success that he did if he had taken this approach. No white- or blue-collar worker will choose to be photographed in black and white, because color photographs are more realistic, not because black and white cameras are obsolete and black and white images are hard to develop. The photographic market has changed dramatically since the days of the 19th century, when black and white film was the preferred choice of many professionals. The advent of digital imaging has destroyed the market for black-and-white film, but has also created a new market for color film. A creative photographer who is looking to sell his or her work will still use color film, because it will give the client more variety and allows the photographer to present his or her work in a unique way

The author also claims that the ‘more realistic’ nature of color photographs accounts for the fact that most portrait studios are using them instead of black and white. This claim assumes that portrait photographers are more ‘artistic’ than those who work in the black-and-white market. Since black and white cameras are obsolete and black and white film is not a popular medium for portraits, the author’s argument lacks any supporting evidence. The author also assumes that black and white film is an old-fashioned medium that is no longer used, but black and white film is still used by many portrait photographers. The black-and-white portrait market is still robust and in strong demand, and black and white portraits are becoming more and more popular with consumers. The author fails to mention, however, that black and white film is more expensive than color film, so portrait photographers may not use those types of film if the cost is prohibitive

The author also uses the ‘more realistic’ nature of color photographs to imply that color film is a more desirable medium for portraits. However, that is not necessarily true. While color film is more realistic, black and white film is sharper. Black and white film also has better ‘tone reproduction,’ which means that black and white film can reproduce a wider range of colors than color film. While color film can reproduce a wider range of colors, it does not reproduce the full range of colors that the human eye sees. A portrait photographer who is working strictly from an artistic perspective may choose to use black and white film, because the photographer wants to be able to convey a feeling or mood without the use of bright colors. While black and white film has these advantages, it also has some disadvantages, including better graininess. This makes black and white film a less desirable choice for portraits, although color film is not ideal for portrait photography in general, because it tends to flatten features. The author fails to provide any evidence regarding which medium is more appropriate for different photographic genres

The author finishes his discussion by stating that black and white photographers are at a disadvantage because they have fewer options regarding the type of film they can use. Again, this argument relies on the assumption that black-and-white film is ‘outdated.’ Today, many professional photographers use digital cameras, and photographers who are shooting in the black-and-white market typically use digital black-and-white film. Digital black and white film gives a photographer the same flexibility in color that color film does, and it allows the photographer to print the images directly from the camera, eliminating the step of developing film. The photographer also has the option to convert color to black and white, which allows for greater versatility. While black-and-white film is still widely used, it is not the only film that a professional photographer can use

The author also fails to consider the many other types of photographic work, such as landscape and fine art, that are better suited to black and white film. While black and white film may not be as popular as color film, it is still a widely used medium, and those who are willing to invest the time and effort needed to develop black and white film are rewarded with sharper, more vivid images. The author of the article did not provide any evidence to support his claim about black and white film, and his argument fails to strengthen the claim that color film is ‘more true to life.’