JANUARY 2010 CHALLENGE - MONOCHROME

[ilanale]

My entry for today Jan-16-2010 and I'm so excited ))))

http://www.pbase.com/image/121127642

Thanks,
Ilana

[borisalex]

For my Day 15 an easy one.
Monochrome is growing on me, I wish there was a bit more discussion about how to do it, what to look for before the image is taken etc.

http://upload.pbase.com/image/121104085

Hi Sheila,

Difficult question to answer, and I'm sure everyone will have their opinions, but I'll pitch in with my thoughts, not based on anything more technical or academic than my own taste and perceptions, likes and dislikes, so others may disagree

Since there is no colour (obviously!) in a B&W image, our eyes are dependent on the greyscale representation of each colour channel, and this in turn means that what might seem an ordinary or run-of-the-mill seen in colour can be a dramatic, sinister, contrasty scene when converted to B&W. Conversely, a dramatic, vivid colour scene, one with a real 'Wow!' factor, may not make a good B&W image at all. Sometimes you just have to experiment back at the computer. For me, when I think in B&W I'm looking for strong lighting, maybe from an oblique or side angle and almost certainly never straight on or from above - the latter just kills all the lovely contrasts I'm trying to exploit. I'm also looking for a comprehensive tonal range of white to black tones across an image or scene; B&W shots look best when there is a wide contrast between shadows and highlights, and when there's a lot of detail which can be really worked up in post.

As for subjects, obviously portraits make excellent B&W shots, and minimal or abstract compositions, by their nature, can look more effective in B&W than colour. Landscapes can be more difficult but again, it's the lighting that you've got to look for. It can seem ironic and indeed somewhat sacrilegious to take all of the colour out of a beautiful summer composition and render it in shades of grey, especially since we all get so fed up of the long cold grey winter months, but the results can be wonderful. I've have a number of B&W shots here on PBase; you've welcome to have a look at the following galleries for ideas:

http://www.pbase.com/birsay/black_white1
http://www.pbase.com/birsay/black_white2
http://www.pbase.com/birsay/black_white3

Others may differ of course, but this is my MO. Hope this helps, but from what I've seen of your B&W work so far this month, I don't think you need lessons from anyone!

Doug

Hi Sheila and Doug,

I like that to talk a little about B&W photogrphy! I enjoy for myself with this challenge taking pictures in B&W only! I dont think if converted color pictures are good B&W´s! I shoot for this challenge only in B&W modus! I agree with Doug that the light you have to care about is so important, more then in color photography! Light is the most important thing you have go for! I do like the creativity in B&W photography, the tones, the contrast you get and the reduction to details! You can´t get that in color!

My humble opinon!
Boris

[bigpaul]

So it's quiet at home and no pre teen tantrums now Rebecca has a new phone.
http://www.pbase.com/image/121129264

[quad]

16th

http://www.pbase.com/image/121129574


/Mats

[lisamidi]

Needed some chocolate today...

http://www.pbase.com/lisamidi/image/121129891

Have a nice day everyone!
Lisa

[cjphipps_servo]

http://www.pbase.com/image/121130353
Thanks for all the prayers. Next appt. is Monday and then Feb. 5.

[maryva2]

Hi All,

I haven't had a chance to post pics or comment for the past few days. Life sometimes gets in the way!

I've chosen to skip posing a PAD image for the missed days, but I will try to catch up on comments. Here is my pic for today (January 16th):



Mary M.

[jlmisc]

Image #17......

http://www.pbase.com/image/121131176

[cjphipps_servo]

http://www.pbase.com/cjphipps_servo/image/121095396
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine . . . "

[cjphipps_servo]

http://www.pbase.com/cjphipps_servo/image/121095395

[phillipn]

Well, it's the weekend...

http://www.pbase.com/image/121131196/original

[beady]

From the sunny shores of the North Atlantic. Blackpool Beach in January 2010. A balmy 3 degrees C.
For the 16th.
http://www.pbase.com/beady/image/121132044

[frank_b]

January 2010 Challenge - Sunlight on stair railing

http://www.pbase.com/image/121132038

Regards,
Frank B

[curlykath]

http://www.pbase.com/curlykath/image/121132418

'Window'

Kathryn

[antorug]

16 Jan 2010

http://www.pbase.com/antorug/image/121132661