Monday 19 November 2007

In Black and White

I started to take a few photos in Black and White last year. On the basis that colour can detract the eye and fool the brain into believing 'that's a great photo' when in actual fact it is just very colourful and a beautiful scene. A really good photo will be outstanding in black and white. This one taken at a garden show of dahlia exhibit is not really good enough. It needs cropping for a start. But I do like the way that the eye can see each individual petal on the flower head. Maybe in colour I wouldn't have noticed this much.

I prefer this second image of daffodils.

I started to think about the photos I'd attempted in monochrome after seeing a programme on television the other evening. The work of James Ravilious who lived and worked in north Devon. I was hoping that my favourite images would be on a web page so that I could share it with you. But as it is there are some very good samples on the website here: http://www.jamesravilious.com/gallery.asp

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I prefer the second photo also. The first is pretty, but as you said, needs cropping. What a wonderful link - those photos were a joy to look at. Thanks, Penny! :)

Mark Wadsworth said...

Apparently, what you are supposed to do is turn the photo' upside down, if it still makes sense, then it's a good photo.

merry weather said...

Very nice LT. I think past a certain age one should have the option to move into an entirely b/w setting - it's far more atmospheric.

Mopsa said...

His work is extraordinary and inspirational. My lovely little digital camera doesn't do monochrome - I wish it did.

Flowerpot said...

great puictures - I love black and white and saw mention of James R in the Western Morning News recently.

Whispering Walls said...

I like those, particularly the daffodils.