I am doing a research paper on photography and I wanted my topic to be the difference between color photography and black and white photography. So I need some help with this question.

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Nothing. Except colour photos have colour, and black and white photos only have black grey and white in them lol....

LOL, I'll second Shelby but add that B&W is considered a more abstract "arty" mode and that color is often relegated to snapshots and other recording applications.

Both color and black and white film start out life the same: as black and white film. Dye coupler layers are added along with an orange mask to make color film. It all begins as silver halides on gelatin. Digital is the reverse: everything starts out as color and the color info is removed to make the image b/w. Darkroom Mike is correct in that many people consider black and white the more "pure" or "artsy" form of photography. I say that those people have never looked at work by William Eggleston, Richard Misrach, or Ernst Haas. DM brings ups a good point though: the perception of color work is somehow held in less esteem than b/w. Why? This good be a good starting point for your paper. Is it an academic idea that b/w is worth more than color? Is it because color is used for advertising much more than b/w? Is it because people use(d) color negative for snapshots (then what about the Brownie?). Is it because black and white more readily lends itself to a graphic look than color (see Ernst Haas)? Really interesting question, I'm gonna have to stew on it. Personally, I shoot color. Don't like b/w, even though I taught it. I like that color can pack an emotional punch that b/w does not (always) have, that when used correctly can be as graphically diverse as b/w. JMO EDIT: Sorry, Mike! It's only 6 am here!

what the others said, i thumb up them - it was good for me.......... aspro kai mavro (black and white) is nmore about shape, form amd light to drak on an artistic realm kroma (colour/color) is more about emotion* and combination/harmony/contrast and comunication on a artistic realm, *red = angry, excitment, blue = cold, sad, green = envy, natural and et ceteras

To add to the other submissions, the greatest difference between b&w and color photography, is the difference in contrast. B&W show off greater contrast between light and shadow. Color only shows clarity in light and definition. As mentioned before, B&W is more artsy because of this, because you are forced to look at both as there is lack of distraction from color, so you gaze into both the light and dark side of the image.

Errrrr, one takes pictures in colour the other doesn't. Apart from that there is no difference in the way images are taken as regards exposure/shutter etc. There are however different skills the photographer can employ to enhance the colours or to enhance the contrast in b&W. With film there were differences in the processing.