Color can bring a picture to life, but nothing maintains a classic feel more than monochromatic photography. Black and white falls into a timeless category and gives photos an authentic and dynamic element.
Black and white photos were the only option back in the day, but now a following for the once outdated photography has resurrected. We live in a world where over-stimulation of the senses occurs and sometimes it is nice to simplify and keep things original. Monochromatic photos can be taken for photo shoots, editorial pieces, personal photography or even art pieces. The result is a compilation of stunning photographs in a plethora of shades from gray to off-white.
Monochromatic photography can be masterful and bringing it back to basics is a clever and intriguing thought.
88 Monochromatic Photo Series
85
Glamorous Monochromatic Fashion
Manege Couture by Karl Lagerfeld is Futuristic and Fierce
84
Badass Body Art Editorials
The Glorious Bastards Papercut Magazine Editorial is Heavily Inked
83
Distressed Androgynous Editorials
Aymeline Valade by Hedi Slimane for Vogue China is Dark
82
Monochromatic Hobo Captures
The Photographic Portraits by Leff Jeffries are Powerful
81
Passionate Noir Photography
The Fall 2012 Fault UK Feature Entices with a Sleek Aesthetic
80
Darkly Demure Portraits
The Be Hold Be Still Amica Editorial is Hauntingly Sophisticated
79
Beautifully Sinister Photography
Wie Es Euch Gefallt by Carsten Witte is Mysterious and Moody
78
Racy Monochromatic Portraits
The Daido Moriyama Tights and Lips Exhibit is Highly Suggestive
77
Inked Bearded Man Portraits
The Josh Dane by Justin Ruhl Editorial is Hipster Chic
76
Sensually Sacrilegious Captures
The Harper's Bazaar Hong Kong Erotica Editorial is Sinfully Chic
75
Black Ball Gown Editorials
The Vogue Germany 'Master Pieces' Photoshoot is Dual Toned
74
Interracial Couple Photoshoots
The REVS Magazine 'Crash' Editorial Stars Caroline Stokholm
73
Ornately Monochromatic Portraits
The Bastian Thiery Attitude Magazine Editorial Exudes Elegance
72
Aging Hipster Editorials
The Bedwin & The Heartbreakers I-D Magazine Fashion Story is Edgy
71
Vintage Monochromatic Photoshoots
David Beckham for Esquire UK September 2012 is Dapper and Rustic
70
Lavish Art-Deco Captures
The Constance Jablonski for Vogue Russia Shoot Portrays 20s Opulence
69
Chromatic Motherhood Pictorials
The CR Fashion Book 'Lullaby' Editorial Captures Chic Nurturing
68
Leather-Bound Menswear
The Leebo Freeman by Sebastian Troncoso Portrait Series
67
Haute Houndstooth Editorials
The Szach Mat Fashion Story Mixes Clashing Patterns
66
Monochromatic Poolside Editorials
The Form Photo Series Features Boss Model Reynier Shields
65
Dual Gender Advertisements
The Silvian Heach F/W 2012 Campaign Stars Andrej Pejic
64
Haute Kitty-Centered Photoshoots
The 'Glamour Puss' Editorial in V Magazine Stars a Cute Feline
63
Superimposed Monochromatic Snapshots
Stockholm Magazine's Autumn/Winter 2012 Images Are Layered
62
Regal Couture Photography
The Victoria Beckham for Elle France Editorial Shot by Karl Lagerfeld
61
Frilly Monochromatic Campaigns
The Balenciaga S/S 2013 Collection is a Vision in Femininity
60
Monochromatic Landmark Photography
Photographer Gabriele Croppi Refocuses Classic Architecture
59
Fierce Fencing Editorials
The 'First Cut' Personae Magazine Editorial is Fashionably Tough
58
Mod Monochromatic Campaigns
The Mila Kunis Miss Dior Handbag Ads Channel 60s Glamour
57
Monochromatic Masculinity Portraits
The Untamed One Client Editorial is Raw and Real
56
Darkly Militant Menswear
The Cellar 10 Men Photoshoot Features an All-Black Wardrobe
55
Feminine Feline Fashions
The Classy Angela Lindvall Georges Rech Fall 2011 Shoot
54
Edgy Gatsby Editorials
The Nikola Jovanovic Tendencias Photoshoot Embraces Excess
53
Eloquent Equestrian Editorials
The 'Go West' Feature for Bon Magazine Boasts Countryside Fashion
52
Ghostly All-Black Editorials
The Gallows by Alex London is a Gothic Monochromatic Series
51
Monochromatic Skateboard Pictorials
Tulsa for Antidote Magazine Hits the Skating Ramp
50
Monochromatic Moody Shoots
The Versace Fall 2012 Campaign is Dark and Grayscaled
49
Monochromatic Widow Pictorials
Never Came by Joao Arraes is a Sad Love Story
48
Ethereal Woodland Editorials
The Dark Forest Design Scene Exclusive Features Ornate Accessories
47
Lonely Lace Bedroom Captures
When the Door Opens by Mario Ardi Reveals Chic Garments
46
Monochromatic Modular Architecture
The Joel Tjintjelaar Photography Explores Abstract Expression
45
Monochromatic 60s-Inspired Pictorials
Haruki Horikawa Shoots Retro Style with a Futuristic Flair
44
Monochromatic Rooftop Captures
Justyna Uboska by Wojtek Klauze is Found Sky-High
43
Otherworldly Monochromatic Photography
This Kim Høltermand Series is Elegant
42
Fashion Icon Feline Spreads
The Harper's Bazaar 'Kat Daddy' Piece Shows the World of Choupette
41
Demonic Stare Editorials
The La Petite Robe Noire Portrait Series Captures Edgy Embellishment
40
Monochromatic Jean Captures
The Liu Jo Campaign for Fall/Winter 2012 Features Kate Moss
39
Elegantly Demure Photography
The Kim Kardashian for V Magazine Editorial Stylizes Refined Reality
38
Romantic 1930s-Inspired Shoots
The Isabel Lucas Interview November Editorial is Wistful and Dreamy
37
Wild Child Couple Captures
The Renan Rocha Nephew Campaign Epitomizes Rebellion
36
Mirrored Melancholic Captures
The 'Touchpuppet Dervla' by Robert Gaudette Shoot is Poetic
35
Monochromatic Bombshell Photoshoots
Kimberly Wyatt for Beauty Rebel is Haute and Evocative
34
Rowdy Punk Princess Ads
The Zara TRF A/W 2012 Campaign Features a Carefree Cara Delevigne
33
Monochromatic Mod Editorials
This Susana Jacobetty Series is Sleek and Chic
32
Spliced Mysterious Womenswear
The Mes Dames A/W 2013 Collection is Monochromatic Gold
31
Literally Pliable Looks
The Fraulein Magazine July 2012 Savaris Editorial Exhibits Plastic Pieces
30
Wearable Art Installations
The Arts Men’s Uno China Portrait Series is Artfully Costumed
29
Chic Grayscale Shoots
Joanna Kustra Photographs Marianna in This Minimalist Series
28
Primped Monochrome Photography
The LAILA Autumn/Winter 2012 Lookbook is Grayscale Beauty
27
Elegant Monochromatic Editorials
Lukas Katinas by Mel Bles Photoshoot Captures Fendi Spring 2013
26
Faceless Gothic Portraits
The Nightingale Vulture Editorial Has an Eerie Appeal
25
Monochromatic Miasma Captures
This Miro Simko Series is Haunting and Eerie
24
Sculptural Deity Portraits
The Mask Sasha Marini Editorial is Artfully Dramatic
23
Gothic Kaleidoscope Captures
The Rebel With a Cause Beauty Rebel Editorial Stars Daphne Guinness
22
Alluring Coastal Gem Campaigns
The David Yurman Fall 2012 Ad Video Starts Gisele Bündchen
21
Fiercely Flexed Captures
The Buddy by Daniel Lehenbauer Portrait Series Shows Some Skin
20
Demure Monochromatic Photography
Ole Marius Fossen Captures Innocence and Beauty on a Beach
19
Polished Paisan Couture
The Vogue Japan 'Once Upon a Time in Sicily' Editorial Shows Italian Style
18
Gritty Gray Photography
These Bartosz Matenko Photographs are Dark
17
Eerie Monochromatic Sibling Shoots
The Last Day by Rian Flynn is Tragically Beautiful
16
Plastic-Clad Photoshoots
The Spellbound #1 Spring/Summer 2012 Issue Promotes Pliable Fabrics
15
Smirking Model Captures
The Hannes Oberbichler by Julie Brass Portrait Series is Bold
14
Monochromatic Cityscape Shorts
The ‘Luxury’ by Azealia Banks Video Shows Her Multiface
13
Monochromatic Cast Shoots
Terry Richardson Captures the Boys From Girls
12
Monochromatic Metropolis Shoots
Martin Stavars Evokes Urban Growth in This Series
11
Retro Paparazzi Shorts (UPDATE)
The Miss Dior A/W 2012 Campaign Video Stars Mila Kunis
10
Backyard Pantsuit Pictorials
I Have Been Waiting by Daniel Luxford is a Chic Monochromatic Series
9
Star-Studded Fashion PSAs
The Fashion's Night Out PSA Features Jubilant Celebs
8
Boldly Bearded Portraits
The Panayiotis by Hadar Editorial is Dapper and Distinguished
7
Glamorous Rebel Campaigns
The Versace Fall/Winter 2012 Menswear Advertorial is Sharp
6
Contrasted Menswear Portraits
The 'Allure of Dark Beauty' by Matthew Lyn Editorial is Dramatic
5
Monochromatic Seaside Editorials
The Numero #133 May 2012 Anne Vyalitsyna Photoshoot is Minimalist
4
Lonesome Cowgirl Editorials
The Aplace Magazine 'The Giving Tree' Photoshoot is Solitary
3
Monochromatic Palatial Photoshoots
Belle de Jour by Jan Welters for Antidote Magazine is Sumptious
2
Monochromatic Split Attire
Giuliano Fujiwara Launches a Vintage-Inspired Collection
1
Stylized Fishing Fashion Videos
The Klara Morante 'Fisherman' Editorial is a Seaside Serenade
Related Ideas
Playful Bulbous Photography
The Vogue Italia 'Blow Up' Editorial Toys with Plastic Presentation
Industrial Edgy Apparel
The Richard Nicoll 2013 F/W Collection is Beanie and Metallic-Laden
Seducing Socialite Editorials
Zeit Magazine 'Die Vermessung Der Frau' Stars Magdalena Frackwiak
Sophisticated Sepia Photoshoots
The Acne Paper No. 14 Editorial Stars a Vintage Karlie Kloss
Goofy Tattooed Model Portraits
Terry Richardson's Cole Mohr Portraits are Youthful & Relaxed
Upscale Sporting Menswear
The Astrid Andersen Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection is Athletic
Darkly Ominous Editorials
The Vogue Italia 'Black and Roses' Photoshoot Stars Kristen Mcmenamy
Darkly Gowned Editorials
The Elle Ukraine November 2012 Photoshoot Stars Anastasia Shershen
Forgotten Nymph Photography
They Don't Care About Us by Marta Streng is Hauntingly Whimsical
Fashion Seance Photography
The Antonella Arismendi Merkabah Photo Series is Darkly Foreboding
Bohemian Rooftop Lookbooks
The Maison Scotch Spring 2013 Collection is Colorfully Carefree
Lazy Grey Day Photography
The Fashion Gone Rogue 'Novosibirsk' Editorial Stars Hannare Blaauboer
Candid Presidential Photography
Barack Obama by Terry Richardson is Revealed After Win
Modern Geisha Portraits
The Drive Ben Trovato Editorial is Haute and Hazy
Passionate Noir Photography
The Fall 2012 Fault UK Feature Entices with a Sleek Aesthetic
Darkly Demure Portraits
The Be Hold Be Still Amica Editorial is Hauntingly Sophisticated
Opulent Folkloric Fashion
The Russian Elle November 2012 Issue Boasts Culturally Inspired Couture
Smeared Aerial Photography
Matt Molloy’s Sky Photography Shows Beauty Through Haziness
Retro Red Fashion
The Elle Russia '50 Ottehkob Kpachoгo' Editorial Stars Beegee Margenyte
Exuberantly Patterned Editorials
The ELLE South Africa January 2013 Issue is Full of Bold Prints
Inked Bearded Man Portraits
The Josh Dane by Justin Ruhl Editorial is Hipster Chic
Candid Celebrity Outtakes (UPDATE)
The Photos of Cameron Diaz by Terry Richardson are Released
Minimalist 60s-Inspired Editorials
The XOXO The Mag 'Rising Sun' Cover Shoot Stars Chanel Iman
Vintage Debonair Menswear
Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2013 Features Unexpected Pieces for Jetsetters
Regally Demure Pictorials
The Another Magazine A/W 2012 Issue Stars Willem Dafoe
Interracial Couple Photoshoots
The REVS Magazine 'Crash' Editorial Stars Caroline Stokholm
Tragic Fairytale Couple Photography
The Jeff Bark for i-D Magazine Editorial is Dark
Angsty Hipster Editorials
The Gareth Rhys Photography for Clash Magazine Gets Grungy
Blackout Storm Photography
Iwan Baan Captures New York After the Storm in This Stiking Series
Textured Mod Apparel
Chloé Pre-Fall 2013 Inspired by 60s Mod Chicks
Ornately Monochromatic Portraits
The Bastian Thiery Attitude Magazine Editorial Exudes Elegance
Darkly Authoritative Editorials
The Hero Magazine 'Volatile Opulence' Photoshoot Stars Matt Ardell
Multi-Toned Photoshoots
The Vogue China 'Colour Sharp Bottom Up' Editorial is Vibrant
Hairy Backdrop Photography
The Blazej by Bartek Jablonski Portrait Series is Eclectically Edgy
Magnificent Underwater Photography
The Whale Shark Fashion Shoot Was Shot in a Filipino Village
Soviet-Inspired Winter Wear
The Espionage Fall/Winter 2012 Lookbook is Cold War-Themed
Androgynous Coat Catalogs
The Reed Krakoff Pre-Fall 2013 Collection is Menswear-Inspired
Post-Lecture Blackboard Photography
Momentum by Alejandro Guijarro Symbolizes the Chaotic World
Solemn City Boy Editorials
The Edgar Berg Things Are Easy Photoshoot is Withdrawn
Enigmatic Contemporary Menswear
Pierre Balmain Spring Summer 2013 Line Offers Sophisticated Flare
90s Attire Editorials
The Romanovsky by Robert Binda Portrait Series is Effortlessly Cool
Haunting Iridescent Captures
Mikko Lagerstedt Takes His Nature Photography to the Next Dimension
Sophisticated Prepster Catalogs
The Tommy Hilfiger Sportswear Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook is Prim
Palatial South Asian Couture
The CR Fashion Book ‘The White Mughal' Editorial Exudes Rich Cu
Overzealous Military Fashions
The H&M Divided Spring 2013 Lookbook is Littered with Camo
Eclectic Englishman Editorials
The Shunichi Oda Essential Homme Photoshoot is Retro-Modern
Haute Houndstooth Editorials
The Szach Mat Fashion Story Mixes Clashing Patterns
Debonair Menswear Collaborations
The 'Acne x Mr Porter Collection' Reinvents Men's Staple Items
Luxurious Byzantine Editorials
Tao Okamoto Poses For Vogue China Beauty
Conceptual Coral Accessories
The Overtoned Design Scene Exclusive is Color-Insfused
Painterly Tribalism Portraits
The Erik Madigan Heck Mary Katrantzou Campaign is Visually Bold
Floral Mirror Image Ads
The Lena Lumelsky Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign is Darkly Demure
Couture Snowboarding Fashion
The Foam Magazine 'Ice, Ice, Baby' Editorial is Mixed and Matched
Brilliant Backwards Coiffs
The CR Fashion Book #1 Hair Feature Showcases Surreal Inspiration
Color Pop Menswear
The E. Tautz Spring/Summer 2013 Line is Bright
Retro Manly Man Portraits (UPDATE)
The Matthieu Charneau by Laurent Humbert Editorial is Masculine
UV-Light Thread Installations
Korean Artist Jeongmoon Choi Plays with Perception and Illusion
Elegant Actress-Inspired Portraits
The Nicole by Krzysztof Wyzynski Editorial is Sophisticated
Minimalist Architectural Attire
The Vogue China 'New Minimalism' Editorial Showcases a Chic Look
Inked Minimalism Menswear
The Ricardo Dourado Spring/Summer 2013 Collection is Eccentric
Regal Couture Photography
The Victoria Beckham for Elle France Editorial Shot by Karl Lagerfeld
Digitized Couture Captures
The Men Novembre Magazine Editorial Features Haute Styling
Etherial Lakeside Nymphs
The Marie Claire Czech 'Amore Eterno' Editorial is Whimsically Chic
Printed Statement Menswear
The Alvin Kean Wong Designare Homme Editorial is Eye-Catching
Abandoned Franchise Photography
Ed Freeman Architecture Series Captures a Dismal Mundane Display
Pensive In-Street Photoshoots
The Under The City Editorial is Thought-Provoking
20s-Inspired Minimalist Attire
The Joanna R. Wodzinska S/S 2013 Collection Offers Standout Styles
Debonair French Menswear Films
The Graduate 2012 Fall/Winter Lookbook Video is Cinematic Magic
Militant Officer Editorials
The Blazej by Patryk Rosinski Portrait Series is Retro-Inspired
Violet Velvet Fashions
The Christopher Kane Pre-Autumn 2013 Collection is a Plush Dream
Foliage Framed Photography
Benoit Paille LSD Shows the Underside of Canopies
Frilled Short Menswear
The James Long Spring/Summer 2013 Line Features Ruffles
Celebrity Menswear Campaigns
The Mr. Porter 'The Look' is Now Featuring Chase Crawford
Bejeweled Beauty Editorials
Harper’s Bazaar Ukraine 'Eternal Values' Stars Alla Kostromichov
Color Rich Menswear
The Richard Nicoll Autumn/Winter 2013 Line is Vibrant
Sophisticated Goth Portraits
The Vin Noir Design Scene Exclusive is Darkly Demure
Color-Collaged Couple Campaigns
The MSGM Spring/Summer 2013 Advertorial is Fun and Vibrant
Beachy Feminine Lookbooks
The Stolen Girlfriends Club Men's Spring 2013 Collection is Bright
Leather-Clad Trio Captures
The Tank Magazine Warm Leatherette Editorial Plays With Sleek Texture
TV Mogul Photo Shoots
Terry Richardson and Oprah Team Up for Harper's Bazaar Magazine
Effortlessly Chic Fashion
The Mango Spring 2013 Lookbook is Cool and Refreshing
Contrasting Tomboy Photoshoots
The Double Magazine In The Street Editorial is Diversified
60s Sweetheart Portraits
The Crystallized Fiora Fashion Story is Retro-Inspired
Fur-Focused Photoshoots
The Edgar Berg Irina Nichifor Editorial is Fierce
Luxury Retro Hotel Photography
The Frida Gustavsson Vogue Netherlands Jan-Feb Editorial is Vintage
Photography-Focused Currency
Shantanu Starick is Travelling Penniless Using the Pixel Trade
Stark Doppelganger Editorials
The Karlie Kloss Vogue China 2012 Photoshoot Plays with Perspective
Cropped Structural Fashions
The Maiyet Pre-Fall 2013 Collection is Sculptural But Still Feminine
Bewitched Bohemian Editorials
The Julia Nobis for NUMÉRO #139 is a Hat-Centric Photo Shoot
Supermodel Holiday Candids
The Gisele Bundchen x Terry Richardson Harper's Bazaar Feature
Intimate Arabic Photoshoots
Akram Zaatari Photography Shows the Narrative of Queer Couples
Playful Monochromatic Fashion
The Nasty Gal Loud and Clear Lookbook Stars Jodie Smith
Head Bonnet Menswear
The J.W. Anderson Spring/Summer 2013 Line Incorporates Kerchiefs
Eclectic Footwear Videos
The A. Sauvage x Dr. Martens Colloaboration Comes to Fruition
Androgynous Sport Editorials
Samantha Gradovill by Koray Birand for Harper's Bazaar Turkey is Edgy
Effervescent Geisha Editorials
The Claire Huish 'Drive' Photoshoot Mixes Contemporary with Retro
Craggy Backdrop Editorials
The Roberto Cavalli Resort 2013 Collection is a Mix of Luxe Print
Dapper 40s-Inspired Menswear
The Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2013 Ready to Wear Collection is Classi
Sporty Camo Collections
The R.Groove Fall/Winter 2013 Collection is Sharp and Functional
Minimalist Mime Menswear
The 'Two of a Mind' Avenue Editorial is Classically Chic
Dapper Hoodlum Portraits
The Ones 2 Watch Norman Theuerkorn Editorial is Artfully Inked
Inked Baby Costumes
This Tattoo Onesie Offers Adult Style to Infants
Glacier-Inspired Buildings
The Iceberg Nature Building Complements its Surroundings Wonderfully
Eastern-Culture Closet Videos
Club Monaco Opens Store and Unveils Inspiration
Faux Petal Fashion Ads
The Nina Ricci Spring 2013 Campaign Stars a Romantic Arizona Muse
Sleepwear-Inspired Menswear
The Domingo Rodriguez Spring/Summer 2013 Collection is Pajama-Chic
Primped Monochrome Photography
The LAILA Autumn/Winter 2012 Lookbook is Grayscale Beauty
Luxe Latin Fashion
The Vogue Spain 'Mamma Mia' Editorial Stars a Darkly Sultry Bianca Balti
Eccentrically Patterned Fashions
Life is Never Dull with Duro Olowu Spring/Summer 2013
Simple Utilitarian Menswear
The Kenzo 2013 F/W Preview Stays True to its Roots
Punchy Minimalist Fashion
The Joseph Spring 2013 Collection Provides Quintessential Classics
Slick City Sneakers
Business and Urban Elegance Come Together in the Adidas Originals Brogue Pack
Textured Animalistic Photography
Fashion Served Presents an Ashraf Majiet Photoshoot Gone Wild
Church Loitering Photography
The Blake Daniel by Sinem Yazici Portrait Series is Oddly Elegant
Oversized Masculine Womenswear
The Unused S/S 2013 Collection is Baggy and Beautiful
Seaside Amusement Park Candids
Rag & Bone DIY Campaign Lends Camera to Newest Supermodel Liu Wen
Sculptural Deity Portraits
The Mask Sasha Marini Editorial is Artfully Dramatic
Oversized Flannel Frocks
The Duckie Brown Fall/Winter 2012 Line Creates Warm Looks with Soft Lines
Instantaneous 3D Photography
Japan Displays the World’s First 3D Photo Booth
Angelic Bedazzled Fashions
The Valentino S/S 2013 Campaign is Heavenly Adorned in Elegance
Monochromatic Cityscape Shorts
The ‘Luxury’ by Azealia Banks Video Shows Her Multiface
Clashing Chromatic Editorials
The November 2012 Harper’s BAZAAR Issue Boasts Bursts of Colo
Subdued German Menswear
The A Kind Of Guise 2013 F/W Preview is Aesthetically Pleasing
Neon Electric Fashion Shorts
The Tod's Fall 2012 Rave-Induced Ad Campaign is Futuristic
Ethnically Printed Menswear
The Herchcovitch Fall/Winter 2013 Collection is Nomad-Chic
Powdered Androgynous Ads
The Alexander Wang Spring 2013 Ad Preview Introduces a Fresh Face
Celeb Playing Card Portraits
The Jackson Rathbone by Michael Freeby Editorial is Unexpected