Answer. The reason why the photographer chose to manipulate the picture was because he wanted to create a coping mechanism for the soldiers and the civilians during the civil war. Hence he blurred the lines.

When shooting black and white photography using natural light, you should let the situation dictate the look and feel of the photo. So don't set out and try to shoot a high contrast shot unless you find a good opportunity with the right lighting. Try shooting on an overcast day.

If the subject matter and intended message of the photo are more important than the eye candy of vivid or eclectic colors, then black and white is the way to go.