There’s something undeniably timeless about black and white photography. It whispers instead of shouts. It strips away distractions and elevates what matters most: light, shadow, emotion, and truth. Long before I became a wedding photographer, I was an artist in love with the quiet power of black and white film—and that love has never faded.
“It strips away distractions and elevates what matters most: light, shadow, emotion, and truth.“
Berit Bizjak
A Fine Art Beginning
My photography journey began as a fine art studio major in college. I spent hundreds of hours studying form, light, and emotion—not just through a lens, but through charcoal, paint, and sculpture as well as history. But it was the darkroom that truly captivated me. I was hooked the first time I watched an image appear in the developer tray. Therefore, black and white film became my obsession. I wasn’t just taking pictures—I was learning how to see.
Building a Business—With Film Only
I committed to being skilled in film photography when I launched my photography business in 1998. I took out a small business loan to invest in Hasselblad and Canon cameras, rolls of Kodak and Ilford film, and continued education (and to this day) to refine my craft. There were no shortcuts, just endless rolls of film and a desire to master every frame. My beginnings were anything but glamorous, but they were authentic and deeply rooted in the art.
To build my portfolio, I offered newlyweds complimentary bride and groom portraits. I simply wanted to photograph love, to tell real stories, and to grow as a visual artist. These sessions were the stepping stones that would eventually lead me to luxury weddings worldwide.
Why Black & White Still Matters Today
Today, even in the digital age, I continue to lean into black-and-white photography. In wedding storytelling, it offers a layer of emotion and elegance that color can sometimes overshadow. It’s not a filter or a trend—it’s a mindset. When I deliver a gallery, the black-and-white frames are always the ones that evoke the deepest feelings. They are honest. They are art.
“When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.”
— Ted Grant
Whether you’re planning a wedding or simply drawn to the timelessness of black and white, I hope these images—and this story—resonate with you. If you’re curious about including more black and white moments in your own wedding day photography, I’d love to connect and share what’s possible.
Please look at my portfolio for more of my timeless, elegant work. And there is always something to see in my journal.
