Saturday, August 28, 2010

...and all the shades of grey

My favourite thing about being a part of this project is the stories you all share with your photographs. Well now I know my favourite stories are the ones told in black and white. Other than the obvious more dramatic feel of a black and white photo - the lack of "color" tells a far more interesting story to me. 

As a designer I start everything in grey - grey is also my favourite color therefore it's not strange that I love monochrome photos the best. Don't get me wrong I do like a bright flaring sun, the softness of bokeh around its subject, the blossom of a flower but there is something just so enchanting about a black & white image. While in University my first year photography class was a study in black and white. we developed all the film and learnt the actual dodge and burn techniques with old school tools - a piece of paper with a hole cut out and a coat hanger with tape on the end. I'd stay in the dark room until 5am sometimes, trying to get the shot I wanted to come to life. Looking through this week's gallery on flickr reminded me of the wonderful things I loved about that process. 


I have been very introspective this week.  I tend to analyze things differently and more linearly in my head when I feel like this. I study things more like a mathematician. I see things in numbers almost. its weird but that's how I've been shooting lately. 

This photo shot by drdesigns reminds me of a photo shot in film. I immediately loved it the moment I saw it. I assumed one of the other muses would snatch it up but I am so glad they didn't. the texture, the crispness, the tone. love it! I have no idea what this thing is on that rough old piece of wood, but I just love it. and want one of my very own. 


Uploaded by drdesigns on 18 Mar 10, 2.46PM MDT.

Thank you so much for sharing your black & white stories with us, we were all truly inspired wandering through the flickr group this go around. 

Next theme is antiques.
happy shooting my fellow musing peeps! 
xox
m

7 comments:

blue elephant photography said...

love both photos, very edgy and geometric in a way. that spiky thing is cute!

Maureen said...

Great shots both.
That spiky thing looks like a seed from a sweet gum tree. Most people who have those trees curse them. But, I'll be happy to send you all you want. :)
♥ maureen

Kirstin said...

Such interesting words and pictures. I used to spend hours in the darkroom watching my husband dodge and burn pictures!

aclamp said...

a great pick!

Tammy Lee Bradley said...

I loved developing my own film and printing it. Such a lost art. Great photos. ♥t

April said...

I really enjoyed printing my own pictures in a photography class in high school! Thanks for bringing back wonderful memories with these wonderful photos :)

michel said...

Maureen! send them my way! I would love more props for the blog!

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