Thursday, January 18, 2007
ON MONOCHROME
Based on photos I have been submitting in my photography workshop, our instructor, Ador Pamintuan, remarked that I seem fascinated with black and white lately. Indeed, I am.You see, I think sometimes the best way to highlight an image’s composition and range of tones is to present it with only its basic elements — devoid of distracting colors. And without the color element, a photography student will be forced to better understand how individual colors like blues, reds and yellows will translate as different shades of gray.
Although some may regard monochrome as old fashioned, there is, however, a classic beauty in it that is truly worth exploring.
There are many accomplished photographers who may be considered masters of black and white, but my all-time favorite is Ansel Adams. I was fortunate enough to have found a second hand copy of one of his books at a news stand cum used book stall on Avenida Rizal near corner Ronquillo Street. It was in excellent condition; got it for half its original price.
I haven’t delved into his personal history, and therefore, not that knowledgeable about him. However, I do know he was one of the great artists of the 20th-century. This book, Photographs of the Southwest, features some images he had taken from 1928 to 1968 in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.
It is not a travelogue, but a powerful and evocative collection of images depicting America’s unique landscape, which includes its people and architecture. Some of the photographs in this book have been seldom, if ever, seen or reproduced before. It is most definitely a recommended read, especially for photography enthusiasts.
By the way, does anyone have any idea where I had taken the top photo?
Photographs of the Southwest
With an essay on the land by Lawrence Clark Powell
Little, Brown & Company, 1976
posted by Señor Enrique at 1:56 PM
15 Comments:
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Sidney said... I agree with you.
The problem nowadays is the display on computer monitors. I don't care too much if my blue or red is not exactly the same on your computer monitor as on mine. But with b&w pictures it can spoil the whole effect of a picture.
Interesting image! Strong composition.-
Señor Enrique said...
Many thanks, Sidney!
Btw, you do have some interesting black and white photographs on your other site, Grayscale ( http://grayscale-goldo.blogspot.com/ ) which I visit every now and then for inspiration.-
Amadeo said...
Eric:
Since you started posting B/W pictures, I occasionally looked at the two big Ansel Adams prints I have in my living room.
I suppose you know that here in California he might be regarded as the gold standard for B/W photos.
Funny, because at one time one of these prints was "stationed" in the ground floor bathroom.-
said... BW and monochromes are classice if done well. Like the contrast of your shot there. Onga san ba yun?
I've seen that Ansel Adams book, a friend of mine has that. Very inspiring BW he has.-
Unknown said...
may binabagayan din naman kasi talaga ang black and white, normally yung ma senti na composition mas bagay sa black and white.
pero itong kuha mo di naman senti pero bagy na bagay sa b/w.-
Señor Enrique said...
I think Ansel Adams is a definitive gold standard in b&w all over the world, Amadeo. Didn't realize that here in Manila alone he's that popular.
The framed print I have in my bathroom is that of Tiffany's stained glass with grapes.-
Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, Ferdz! I'll reveal what it is later on, but here's a clue -- you had seen the entire structure more than you realized :)
Thanks!-
Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, Cruise! It was originally in color, of course, but the more I looked at it, the more I was compeeled to convert it to black and white. It sort of reminds me of those Buck Roger TV series when I was a kid.
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Señor Enrique said...
I also think of those b&w Hollywood glamour shots, Bugsybee, which made those movie stars even more alluring.
Btw, did you finally get yourself a digital point & shoot camera?-
said...
Nice shot ! B&W will never die. It might look simple but it is classic and elegant :)
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Señor Enrique said...
Thanks, BW! With image editing software, it is not that difficult to make b&w conversiaons. Picasa2 is a free downloadable program by Google that does a good job :)
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said...
To me, I love BW photos too. They can give you the feeling that is so beautiful yet undescribable; very nostalgic. That is what I think of BW photos.
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Señor Enrique said...
I agree with your observations, Kyels. In portraiture, when trying to convey evocative emotions, I, too, believe, B&W would do a much more powerful job!
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said...
sa quezon memorial circle ba 'yong picture eric? hula lang.
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Señor Enrique said...
That's right! You got it, Beth!
