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Eliza Waters invited me yesterday (dared me to try) to participate in the Black and White Photo Challenge. This is a very challenging challenge (an opportunity wrapped in a challenge.) You see, I haven’t taken any black and white photos since my little Brownie camera went along on field trips with me in the 1960s. I was raised in the age of Kodak, and I’ve happily used color film, and then color digital photography, for most every photo I’ve ever taken.
But because Eliza and I seem to agree on so many things, and find our interests so similiar; there was no answer possible but, “Yes.” And then I spent quite a bit of last evening trying to figure out how to either convert a photo already taken in color to a black and white image ( read: trying to figure out the multiple editing software programs I own and barely use) or to take a black and white photo in the first place with my beloved little Nikkon.
So, I stretched, and I learned something new. Once I found the well-put away instruction booklet, it took only a bit more time to learn how to access and use the right menu to convert to black and white photography.
And then of course, it rained all day today. No mind. I own hats and coats. So I was out in the rain this afternoon celebrating the Equinox by photographing everything I could find which looked “fresh” and new…. in both color and black and white.
So I offer you my first attempts here. For a dull day, the images may not be too dull to post.
In the spirit of the challenge, and of friendship, I pass this on by inviting one of my favorite blogging photographers, Robin, of Breezes at Dawn, to join Eliza and me in this five day Black and White Challenge.
Robin lives and gardens on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She documents the changing of seasons, her beautiful coastline and gardens, and the local wildlife with exquisite photographs. I especially love the images she captures of birds. She must be a hummingbird whisperer, because she captures such wonderful photos of these little jewels in flight. I hope you will watch for her photos each day of this challenge, and perhaps choose to follow her, as I do.
The guidelines are blessedly simple and clear:
- On 5 consecutive days, create a post using either a past or recent photo in black and white.
- Each day invite another blogging friend to join in the fun.
Even in this season when the world bursts into glorious color once again, I believe that there are beautiful images to capture in black and white. This is a new adventure, and if you have not yet tried it yourself, perhaps you’ll figure your camera out in advance should you be invited to join in next!
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The roses, which still need spring pruning. Once this cold snap passes…..
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Woodland Gnome 2015
Forest Garden 
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Thank you Creekrose, Love to you and yours 😊
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Thank you so much for this, Creekrose 😉
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I’ve heard it suggested that taking black and white photos of the garden is a great aid in designing with form and texture. The most compelling art photos are generally black and white…and oh, those old Orson Welles movies. I think you may be on to something here.
😉 Would you be willing to join the challenge, Rickii? May I invite you to join on Wednesday? I am a great believer in documenting the garden in photos. They are very revealing of things I normally overlook when walking around. All of my shots of that nature are color- and I believe you are correct that it would be useful to photograph all of the main areas in black and white. I grew up in a home with black and white TV until I was maybe 11- you just accepted it and never thought about it. I’m spoiled by color now, and am learning to appreciate the medium of black and white photography (again) with this challenge. i hope you will agree to play! WG
Taking out the colours helps us focus more on the shapes and textures and the lights and darks, doesn’t it – I love the leafy image with its shapes and textures.
You are right, Peggy. It completely changes how I see the photo, and how I look at it. I’m glad you like all of the different leaves. Thank you for visiting today 😉 Cheers! WG
Great job, WG! I love the way black & white brings out the textures. Thank you for inviting me to play along. I’m looking forward to it. I don’t often use black and white, preferring color, so it’s good to stretch every now and then.
My roses need pruning, too. I’m thinking next week, but I want to wait and see what the weather has in store for us after this next round of cold.
Thank you for agreeing to play along, Robin 😉 I’m looking forward to your photos! It is fun to switching things up from time to time. I would like to cut mine back next week, too, but will check the 10 day on Monday, first. I will give mine a bit of Epsom salts first of the week to spur on that new growth. Best wishes, WG
YAY! Great photo challenge #1! Love the texture with the various leaf shapes in your shot with the emerging daffodils as the focus. Nicely done! 🙂
Thank you, Eliza 😉
I like your B&W photos. The raindrops add to the texture created by the leaves—good job. Ω
Thank you, Allan 😉 That means so much coming from you. Happy spring, happy weekend! Cheers! WG