Photoforum Photography Challenge 2011-2

[Grandpa]

For many photographers black and white has always been and remains at the heart of their photographic expression. Others speak of a “renaissance” in black and white imaging. Winter is a time I often think in terms of black and white.

Perhaps it’s about getting back to basics - or perhaps people are just continuing to fall in love with the mood and atmosphere that black and white shots evoke. So our challenge for the next couple of weeks is to try to learn to SEE in black and white. What are the aspects of a scene or subject that will translate to a strong black and white image?

Look for Contrast

One element that can give interest to a black and white shot is contrast. Because you can’t use color to distinguish one element of your image from another the tonal variances become crucial. This doesn’t mean you need stark contrasts in every shot - but you should question how the contrast will come into play when composing your shot.

Wait for the Right Light

Linked to contrast, the lighting in a black and white shot is very important. Direct lighting will often add to contrast. Side lighting will reveal any texture that a subject might have (and in portraits will accentuate features) and light from any one direction will create shadows. All of these techniques can add interest to a black and white image - however they can also be distracting - so be careful.

Shapes and Patterns

Patterns or shapes that can sometimes almost go unseen in color can come alive in a black and white shot. Black and White shots that rely upon pattern can often take on an abstract quality.



Capture Texture

As mentioned above when talking about side lighting - revealing the texture of a subject can add a new dimension to an image. The sidelight does this by creating shadows.

Composition

Most of the general tips on how to compose or frame a good shot apply just as well to black and white photography as they do when shooting in color - however the main obvious difference is that you’re unable to use color to lead the eye into or around your shot. This means you need to train yourself to look at shapes, tones and textures in your frame as points of interest. Pay particularly attention to shadows and highlights which will become a feature of your shot.

The rules:

1. Only photos taken during the challenge period should be posted.
2. Limit of 2 pictures per post for this topic.
3. Discussion of technique and/or inspiration is encouraged!
4. Remember - this is NOT a contest - no voting, no prizes - other than better photos!

Have fun - take pictures - let's see Black and White!

PS - Yes, we'll take monotone, sepia, etc. You know what I mean!

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[Grandpa]

BTW, I'm headed out tomorrow for a week's vacation, so you guys are on your own.

See you in a week! Have fun!

[konstantkarma]

So I gotta break the ice?

Today I went grave spotting... collecting photos of "Noteworthy" tombstones. This is the first one I found, in a tiny family plot that consists of about 10 stones. I called it "Somebody's Baby". I know most of you guys will catch it, but check the other stone for the reason I found this a powerful image.

[trhodes]

I shot this in RAW then, in PP jacked up recovery and fill. In PSE9 (which I just got) adjusted levels, removed color, and tweaked light/contrast for affect. Any c/c welcome.

[Mulewings~]

Both nice shots, the gravestone is rather powerful image, Konstantkarma.

trhodes~ I like the interest in the cowboy well done conversion.

Here is mine.
Cold windy isolated. If it were 50 yrs ago here is where I'd walk to school.



Converted to B&W but not much effort to do that.

[DSRay]

Playing around at the local museum.

[kbColorado]

this topic has gotten off to a roaring start. Nice work !

[Mulewings~]

DSRay...wow! That is pretty darned cool!

[konstantkarma]

It is pretty cool! And thanks MW.

[craig_k]

dsray, nice eye to catch that setup
val, great clasic image of your past, well composed, sharp, well processed material as ususal
konstant, good thoughtfull planned study of overall grounds layout origionally, crisp, sharp central figure placement maintaining the true to life lay of the land angle as one often finds in such senerios and use of a small apt setting that conveyed the story instead of blurring it out and eliminating the irony........good job
mr rhodes:).....2011 national western show i presume?....very nicely pp'd...i've always favored catching the trailing bullrope when possible to provide a "trailing line" out of the picture composition wise...good job on the eyes.........i had a lot of buddies there that did well this year in the bareback event...
nice job all to date