It’s unknown to me what drives my moods in photography, or life sometimes for that matter. At times I’m about saturation and bright colors searching for the “pop” and then in a days time I may be dabbling in black and white looking for emotional conductivity. I suspect it ties into the fact I’ve always been a person existing of grays rather then purely black or white — I exist between, seeing both sides of issues but not truly owning either — I’m talking of more then photography now of course.
So, is existing of grays a curse or a blessing? I’m not sure. Perhaps when I draw that last breath I can make that call about my life. Until then, things are still playing out.
In any case, today is a black and white day for my photography.
I can’t claim as Paul Johnson (PJ) at photomontana.net does that my real love has always been back and white photography. Color and B&W photography are to me like two very different children — I love them both, but differently. In PJ’s recent post, “black and white,” he writes of Brett Weston’s work and how Brett’s work was strong in part due to his lack of fear of boldly using liberal amounts of black. Now I might be paraphrasing a bit so be sure and click over to “photomontana” and read the original post.
The selection of these two images from my archives no doubt was influenced by reading PJ’s post and from once again looking in awe at some of Brent Weston’s work.
Posted images are of Bald Head Island Lighthouse and Southport, NC.
Nice work Earl. I especially like the lighthouse, and I think you paraphrased quite well.
One note — as much as I hate to nitpick, I think you meant ‘Brett’ Weston, not ‘Brent’.
PJ, I appreciate it. Thanks also on the Brett catch, correction made — thinking one thing and typing something else, it happens, and I always appreciate when people point out a mistake so I can fix it! :-)
Two fine example of how good black and white images should look in that they have an excellent range of tones including near black. I once had the privilege of visiting Brett Weston’s darkroom.
He was a master of visualizing what a picture might look like as he took shots, and then the expertise to realize that vision. It was very motivating to be there, but putting the ideas to work for me was another ball game! ;-)
Don, grand experience visiting Brett Weston’s darkroom. Making that leap between knowing how and actually doing is the real secret isn’t it. :-)
Both beautiful images, Earl. I always thought that B&W was a very challenging concept. In my 35mm days I carried one camera with color transparency film and one with B&W. I don’t think I would want to do that anymore.
Great framing . Lovely mono !
I really love both of these images, Earl. Both for their craftsmanship and also for the summer-like imagery they evoke. The winter is too long for me already!
I really love both of these images, Earl. Both for their craftsmanship and also for the summer-like imagery they evoke. The winter is too long for me already!