Over the past 15 years, a study examines the predominant colors in film photography and finds an increasing trend towards black and white hues, signaling a resurgence in monochrome film photography.
In a recent blog post, Lomography shared the results of an analysis that reveals a fascinating shift in the world of film photography over the past decade. The chart presented in the post shows a gradual change in colours: bold colours are shrinking while monochrome tones make up a majority of images. By 2025, vibrant colours take up a far smaller section of the chart.
One theory for this trend is that modern films tend to be more neutral, while black and white stocks like Ilford HP5 Plus have become more popular. Another theory is that film labs have started using more autocorrections when scanning film, which can create less vivid colours. The cost of film may have also played a role in the increase of black and white photography.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a licensed drone pilot and a renowned photographer, offers her insights on this trend. Grigonis, who leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World and has more than a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology, reached for black and white film when loading film into her first analog SLR for two reasons: nostalgia and the perceived ease of predicting the photograph's outcome.
In 2010, warm colours made up a significant portion of the hues in Lomography's analysis. However, by 2025, cooler blues and purples seem to make up a larger percentage than oranges and yellows in Lomography's analysis. Lomography states that there are no right answers in film photography, just the freedom to follow one's mood and let creativity shine in any shade.
Looking at images from the Lomography Community may not indicate trends across photography as a whole. However, it provides a unique perspective on the preferences of film photographers. Lomography's final take on the trend is that it's fascinating to see how colours have shifted over time in their analysis.
For those interested in exploring film photography further, the article provides links to browse the best film emulsions and the best film cameras. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these resources offer a great starting point for delving into the world of film.
Hillary K. Grigonis' work has appeared in various publications including Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and more. Her wedding and portrait photography favors a journalistic style, capturing candid moments with a touch of elegance. As a former Nikon shooter and a current Fujifilm user, Grigonis has tested a wide range of cameras and lenses across multiple brands.
AgfaPhoto and Ilford are known film brands that contributed to the rising popularity of black and white films from 2010 to 2025, while the demand for strongly saturated colour films from brands like Kodak and Fuji decreased. The results of the analysis serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of black and white photography and the creative freedom it offers to photographers.
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