Colored photographs were first invented in the 19th century, though their practical use was limited at the time. The earliest color photography techniques involved capturing three separate black-and-white images through red, green, and blue filters, then combining them to create a full-color photograph. Despite these early advancements, black-and-white photography remained the dominant form until well into the 20th century.
Several factors contributed to the continued popularity of black-and-white photographs even after color photography became available. The early color processes were complex, expensive, and produced images of lower quality compared to black-and-white. In addition, many photographers and artists preferred the aesthetic and artistic qualities of monochrome images, which allowed them to focus on elements like contrast, texture, and composition without the distraction of color. It wasn't until the mid-20th century, with the development of more affordable and user-friendly color film and printing processes, that color photography became widely adopted by both professionals and the general public.