Wednesday, January 11, 2012

inspired by winter black and white.

Something I'm striving to do more is to take black and white photos. I've got some black and white film out at the developer, and I'm saving another roll of Ilford black and white for a special occasion. Or rather, one where a black and white opportunity presents itself. What is a black and white opportunity? I don't know either! But I always know when it appears. That is because black and white, to me, has a particular presence, and adds, to what would a regular shot in color, a timelessness and classic, nostalgic quality. I especially like it for portraits and for photos where the strength of the composition lies in its geometry and simplicity. I think winter is a great time to embrace black and white so I was excited about this theme. Winter can be a quiet time, and black and white can add to the peaceful quality of a moment captured. It is also a time, with the holidays, that means visiting family: an opportunity for classic, memorable portraits made all the more by black and white. When I think of winter, I see black and white images of a single bird in a tree in the snow, a warm mug of cocoa in fuzzy mittened hands, lone survivor winter grasses against a bokehed barn, bare branches against a crisp day's cold sky.  

Mamadunk enhanced the beauty of this gorgeous dog with her use of black and white. When do you like to use black and white? It's certainly helpful that we can take a digital shot and try it out in black and white in the post process, isn't it?

happy shooting!
~cara of cararosephotos.


winter izzy by mamadunk

8 comments:

Kirstin said...

Cara, what an interesting post and such lovely pictures too. I see more opportunities for bw in the winter where it's all about the greys!

Becs said...

It's really interesting that you bring this up. I rarely shoot in black and white but have been re-discovering it lately. Although I love colour, my favourite shots from our wedding are all the informal shots that were shot in b&w and I think you've put your finger on it - it's the classic, timelessness that b&w brings to a shot that makes it so special. Great images to accompany your words.

Kat Sloma said...

I love the expression you caught in the first image Cara, black and white certainly helps pull your eye to her face in what would have been an otherwise busy scene. The detail and simplicity of the second shot is just gorgeous!

Anna said...

Great post Cara! I, too, like B&W for portraits and images w/ strong geometry, such as architecture. Surprisingly shots taken on days that look rather dull outside - think gray without interesting light - can look lovely in B&W. Also, images that hold distracting color notes but good composition and values, can be saved by B&W conversion. I feel, the key is the ability to see our colorful world, in your mind's eye, in values - since the arrangement of the underlying values are really the key to great picture making!!!

Laura Delegal - Leroy Photography said...

I love b&w. It's nice to focus on the picture and not be distracted by color. Before digital, I shot most everything in B&W. I still have a few rolls and would like to get out and do some more, but now the batteries are hard to find. :( Love your images.

urban muser said...

love B&W...and that fabulous dog!

Holly ~ Soupatraveler said...

I love your winter black and white pictures! The pairing looks great together and i agree, black and white can enhance the starkness of the season.

Ashley Sisk said...

I love how both of these images show so much expression - I think that's the beauty of black and white...focusing on the true moment of the image.

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