Are you addicted to color? Yea, me too.
Especially since I became a convert to the “golden hour”, gilding all in its clear honeyed light. As well as becoming addicted to faux-lomography and other post-processing techniques, ones that depend upon deeply saturated colors for their signature “look”.
So this month’s challenge – black and white.
No dependence upon color to tell my visual story, to draw the eye and add emotional resonance.
No, only line and shape and pattern. Only the rich tones of black, white and the full range of grays to create texture and interest.
Perhaps it is the season – this time of overcast, gray days, when trees are stark silhouettes and nature wears her white winter cloak - that monochrome images seem so appropriate. In any event, I have found myself converting more and more of my images to black and white – color seems to be a distraction, a way to hide something deeper.
David duChemin, in his book “Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images” has this to say about the decision to convert to black and white:
“Color is powerfully seductive…But create a great black and white conversion, rendering those same colors as tones, and you allow the lines, tones, textures, and gesture of the image to speak more loudly because the color has been silenced. The question becomes, “What is this image about?” If color is part of that for you, then keep it. If it’s not, consider pulling it.”
So I am silencing the color, letting the other elements have their say.
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In this first month of the new year, what is your challenge? Remember, there are no rules. Do whatever scares you or stimulates you or intrigues you. Give yourself permission to play; to try and fail; maybe even crash and burn. What have you got to lose? It doesn’t have to be big or profound – take just a tiny step into new territory. This is about YOU and what you need to grow as a photographer.
Join in below – the link will be open through the end of the month. If you like, you can find the TTC button here. I can’t wait to cheer you on.
