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12/20/2002 11:02:25 PM · #26 |
Originally posted by PTLParsons:
I find I'm also a better photograph viewer and, I think, better at scoring them, especially since I've raised this question. I've read what all of you have said and have learned a lot. I also learned, or re-emphasized, it's really a matter of personal opinion or likes. But I now score photo not so much on my personal like, B&W vs color, as what is the photo. I'm beginning to think the nail was hit on the head with "B&W is more sophisticated looking", and that is something I ain't, sophisticated. I'm not into abstract art and find it actually makes me kinda up-tight the longer I look at it. Also the intentionally out of focus ones tear (tare, tair?) me up. I guess my likes in photography reflect me; who I am, what makes me happy, what I like, etc. I'd be happy living in a log cabin in the country surrounded by family, friends, and animals. Doesn't take much to make me happy. I guess what I'm thinking is my kind of photographs won't score too high here; cute kids, cute pets, landscapes, etc. I'm more interested in learning how to make those better, than learning how to make a photo look like modern art. Does anyone understand what I'm trying to say? Of course I don't want to get all 2s and 3s but I don't expect to be in the top 10. What chances do I have? And I know only a few of you have seen any of my work, personal e-mails for them to critique. I haven't gotten enough courage to submit my kind of pictures yet. But thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer and help me. I really appreciate it, and who knows maybe someone else out there needed this too. |
PTL,
Take images of what you like !!! Take them in color or take them in black & white. If the images you produce please you then you have satisfied the one person with the most emotional stake in your images. To me amateur photography is done for personal enjoyment and fulfillment.
I'm like you. The world is colorful. So I usually portray it in color as it is. But the starkness of black & white can be very emotional. I feel a good image stands on it's own merit whether it is color or black & white.
Try posting to one of the upcoming challenges. You might be surprised at how well your photograph will be received...
Bob
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12/21/2002 02:01:47 AM · #27 |
To me, black and white is a method of changing the way a viewer perceives your photo. I don't use black and white to save a poorly colored image. I use black and white to try to force the viewer to see some things that color normally disguises. Black and white images, in a lot of cases, force the viewer to take a stronger notice of shapes, patterns, textures, and contrasts. When I see certain things I want to photograph, I usually know beforehand whether my final image will be black and white or color. I shoot everything in color and then convert to b/w so I can have it in both formats. If I know I want my final image to be black and white, I normally expose the image a little differently. I usually end up over exposing it just a tad in most cases...
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12/21/2002 08:18:24 AM · #28 |
| Go for it,PTL--jump in with both feet. |
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12/21/2002 08:42:41 AM · #29 |
I'm going through this forum, and I think this issue has not been raised: Some people convert to black and white because the colours did not turn out right, or to hide some obvious technical flaw. I'd guess that 25% of the black and white shots I've seen on DPC gave me this impression.
Now, having said that, I think black and white is a great way to set the mood of a photo. I actually love black an white when you can see a beautiful array of tones. I love B&W photography when it really highlights the different tones and shades of gray (grey, how do you spell that?)..
My $.02 ($.0316). :)
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12/21/2002 10:31:13 PM · #30 |
All of my love for color and all of this discussion. Can you believe it I actually said that one of the photos in "My Profession" might have been better in B&W. I can't believe it. But then I told them not to tell anyone I said that. I bet you all can guess which one immediately. You have actually gotten thru to this die hard color photo person. I now understand what B&W can do. None of what you all have said has been wasted or fallen on deaf ears. I'm really learning and you all are so patient and kind. I appreciate it. Guess I'd just better stay out of the "Rants". They almost scared me off. I'm going to try B&W now. You now need to tell me the best way to convert if your program doesn't offer this with one click. Remember your patience.
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12/22/2002 01:39:03 PM · #31 |
For those of you who truly enjoy black and white images, I would suggest picking up a copy of LensWork at your local Barnes and Noble bookstore or wherever else you may find it... It's always an enjoyable read and it's filled with lots of nice photos...
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12/22/2002 07:40:59 PM · #32 |
It really depends on how both are used... sometimes B&W looks great, other times color is the way to go. For the "Four" challange, I originally submitted a photo that was in black and white. This morning, when I was looking at the photo, I thought I could do better. So I took a new photo, basically of the same subject, but with some color (and better composition too) and am MUCH happier with the results. My original I'd probably give a 6. The new version, I'd give a 10. Now granted, there is more than a color difference... the arrangement of the objects in my new photo is a lot nicer looking, and the look of each object is superior, so those help as well. I tried a B&W conversion of the final photo I submitted, and the color still works better.
I've also taken a photo of a boat. In color it was okay, but when I sepia toned it, it became one of the nicest photos I've taken, IMO. I think if I'd submitted it for the something old challenge, it might have won.
Brian
Message edited by author 2002-12-22 19:44:43. |
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