When Black and White Actually Works (And When It Doesn't)

Most photographers convert to black and white because the shot felt flat, not because they had a reason. That's backwards. The real question isn't 'would this look good in mono' — it's 'is colour actively working against the image?' Texture, tonal contrast, and emotional weight are the actual tests. If colour is drawing the eye somewhere it shouldn't go, convert. If colour is the subject, don't. A tutorial worth skimming if you've never built a conscious framework for this decision, but not urgent reading before your next job.