“Black and white can transform a scene into something magical.” – Rob Sheppard
Since Tina invites us to pick any topic for our blog this week, I decided to show a few of my favorite pictures in black and white. I have more appreciation for these now; interesting details are clearer and stand out more with multiple variations of shades of grey. To me, these pictures display an abstract quality which makes them intriguing and timeless.
The banner photo shows several Red Knot (Calidris canutus) walking on the beach. These special birds visit Kiawah Island twice a year when migrating from the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. They travel more than 9,000 mi (14,000 km) one way. With the exception of the banner picture, feel free to click on each image to see it in full screen.
I discovered this old wooden bench a couple of years ago on a golf course in Maine. Originally I posted it in color although as a black and white, it seems more interesting with its weather-beaten wood, metal frame and decorative design.
The heavy fog in this picture is apparent in the sky and faint outline of homes in the background. The long boardwalk to the ocean disappears in the distance.
“Black and white is abstract; color is not. Looking at a black and white photograph, you are already looking at a strange world.” – Joel Sternfeld
The remains of this old, twisted tree has an abstract look in the middle of this marsh grass.
A favorite fishing area for both residents and birds!
“In black and white there are more colors than color photography, because you are not blocked by any colors so you can use your experiences, your knowledge, and your fantasy, to put colors into black and white.” – Anders Petersen
“Color is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.” – Eliott Erwitt
When converting this picture to black and white I was surprised to see how much stronger the various lines became in contrast to the early morning sun on the ocean. This was taken in Ogunquit, Maine.
“Black and white photography erases time from the equation.” – Jason Peterson
Thanks to Tina for suggesting we pick our subject this week! Be sure to check out her beautiful post this week showing Wabi-Sabi images from nature.