I've gotten some inquiries and wondering if people are interested in participating again in a "Black and White Book Club" for February. Last year we read and analyzed the book The Complete Guide to Black and White Digital Photography by Michael Freeman and committed to a month of black and white on 365.
Please indicate a) if you'd be interested in joining us again in February and b) if you have a recommendation for a good book about black and white photography!
I have a work experience half of February so I'll be busy :( Please take me out of the reminders for this year ^^
But to everyone who didn't do it last year: Try it, it's fun and very effective :)
Not sure... It would be good for me to actually learn more about the theory of black and white, but I didn't have the attention span last year, so not sure id do any better this year... But I'd certainly give it a try...
I did do Black and White in February but on my own (with the addition of selective color). My guess is I won't be able to participate in a book club, but I'll peek in, and I'm not sure when I will start Year 3. I have to take breaks between years! :) I finish Year 2 in 12 days. YIKES!
Yes please I'm in if it happens, I loved last year and I'd like to extend myself and learn more. I'd like to read the book (an ebook version would be good if there is one).
Looking on Amazon there seem to be a number of other books by Michael Freeman others that could advance the topic.
@vignouse Personally Richard, and Katie, I think the Freeman book covers the subject comprehensively and well. Best I've seen on the subject, and I have read more than a few. Nice background and history in it too, placing the genre in context. Lots and lots we didn't cover last time.
Keep me in the loop, if you don't mind. I am off and on as I have to focus on Lightroom, but I love b&w so it would be nice to be pushed a bit more there. Not posting daily, though.
I was just thinking of doing this again next month. I still have the book, but now have a DSLR instead of an automatic. I feel like this will be a new learning experience for me with the same book....and I don't have to buy a new book haha.
@archaeofrog Thanks for the heads-up Katie. I've had a few people ask me to do the "Flash of Red" February which I started two years ago. Last year we combined the two and in some ways it worked, but I think this year I'd like to keep it simple and do the same format I did in the first year (weekly themes with the sc red shot in the center). Is it going to be a conflict for you if I do that? Maybe folks will feel free to combine the two on their own. After purchasing the last book, I think I have what I need as far as books go too. Let me know what you decide to do. I'll try not to make Flash-o-Red conflict with the book club.
Thank you for remembering me - I really enjoyed this last year and learned a lot - although I do keep meaning to go back and do some more on some of the later chapters.
I was promoted at work last summer and have struggled to keep up with anything since, so am not taking on anything. Another one to take off the reminders, please.
@kt8ird Sorry Kate not my thing. I don't own any photography books and I don't have the desire to do a month of the same style I get distracted. But have fun.
'Black and white photographs are a different medium than colour and require an ability to see in monochrome. Becoming aware of the differences between black and white and colour images—both in how they are seen and what makes a great black and white photograph—is the first step to capturing images that will work powerfully in monochrome.
The first in a three-volume set, Part One discusses what makes a great black and white photograph, what to look for when learning to see in monochrome, elements of a black and white photograph, and potential subjects for black and white photographs. Part Two examines the means of creating the black and white image in the digital darkroom.'
Andrew Gibson has some inexpensive e-books, a series of three in BW, quote above.
I was actually going to follow a book myself by David Du Chemin that has assignments in. But if you go ahead with a book group I will join in.
@olivetreeann Hey Ann, I loved Flash of Red and definitely don't want to step on your toes! It sounds like a lot of folks are interested more in the month of black and white than a book necessarily. I would go ahead and come up with your dates/themes, and I think a lot of these folks would love to jump in!
I'll spend some time looking around at B&W ebooks and maybe just look for something to compliment your themes.
Alright, lots of great interest already! The wonderful Ann H. LeFevre ( @olivetreeann ) is planning to organize another "Flash of Red February" - all black and white focused around weekly themes with a red selective color image in the middle of your calendar. I think it would be great for us to link-up with that, like we did last year, and perhaps add a book in addition.
It sounds like many were interested in an eBook for ease and access. Some one had mentioned Andrew Gibson as a possible author ( http://craftandvision.com/collections/andrew-s-gibson ) or another book by Michael Freeman again, though his are not eBooks.
Please share ASAP if you have a strong opinion or suggestion about a book. (You are also welcome to join in without the book component.)
I recently downloaded the ebook: The Essential Guide to Black and White Photography by David Nightingale. Haven't had time to read it so not sure if it is a good book or not.
The freeman field guide is available in an e book.
I wouldn't mind doing the same book again. There was certainly more to be gained from several rereads.
I would love to try it! Black and white seems to be my go-to choice for most photos so I would like to develop a discerning eye. Please keep me in mind for this challenge and let me know!
@archaeofrog Thanks Katie! I really appreciate that. I know one week will be macro (by request). Will settle the others in my brain and give you the heads up. Also- for the future- I would like to do another book club and you ran them so well! I picked up a book that might be of interest to you (and I haven't started it yet). It's called Extraordinary Everyday Photography. The authors are Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring. The title intrigued me. It's a little more expensive than the ones we've used in the past, but I think I got it on Amazon for much less. (Is your book still out there? I've been meaning to pick it up for ages!!) If you think you might be interested in this one, let me know. Thanks again for working with Flash of Red!
@olivetreeann Hi Ann! My library has a copy of the Extraordinary Everyday book, so I've put in a request to check it out. Maybe for a little later in the year. And yes, my eBook is still out there on Amazon too. (There are tons of links to it on Boost Your Photography.) Looking forward to another great Flash of Red!
Sounds like a lot of fun and I'll probably participate in the flash o red, but I don't think that I can swing the book club too. Thanks for including me.
I would like to participate. I have never studied or read any books, but will be happy to delve into any book that is chosen. I did some of the b&w fortnightly themes last summer and learned so much from just shooting in black & white. It would be really fun to put some theory to what I learned (oh yeah, and learn some more...)
Dear all, here is what I propose for February, and it's a bit of a three tiered plan.
1) All who are interested in shooting black and white for the month of February can join in the "Flash of Red" challenge, and Ann will post weekly big themes to follow. No book buying/reading necessary.
2) Those interested in the book club aspect can participate through reading and reviewing the book from last year: The Complete Guide to Black and White Photography by Michael Freeman (overview of the book/purchase links from last year here: http://www.boostyourphotography.com/2014/01/bookclub.html ). (*Revised* The field guide version of the book IS available for Kindle for $9.99 USD.)
I think both books will allow for great conversation and learning about black and white photography, as well as provide people an entry at a level of commitment/cost that works for them.
Stay tuned for updates about the weekly themes and can't wait to see all your incredible black and white shots!
I bought the book last year and it really broadened my knowledge and skills in black and white. There are parts we didn't focus on in the Freeman book, so I'd be happy to continue with the book!
Very keen on a BW month, but as I will have completed my year, I may not take a daily photo. Will download the e-book. Thanks for returning Katie, you were a great encouragement when I started out last year.
Thank you for organising this, I'm looking forward to learning more about B & W, will get one of the books (probably the Michael Freeman one as I struggle with photography ebooks).
I will give this a shot!! lol
I have never tried B&W and I am new on 365 so ...this will be a challenge for me. Here we go... Thank you for all this information.
Hi there, ive never done this so im unsure what to expect, my fav Book on black and white photography has to be from a local great, and friend of mine John Blakemore - black and white photography workshop
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But to everyone who didn't do it last year: Try it, it's fun and very effective :)
Looking on Amazon there seem to be a number of other books by Michael Freeman others that could advance the topic.
I was promoted at work last summer and have struggled to keep up with anything since, so am not taking on anything. Another one to take off the reminders, please.
The first in a three-volume set, Part One discusses what makes a great black and white photograph, what to look for when learning to see in monochrome, elements of a black and white photograph, and potential subjects for black and white photographs. Part Two examines the means of creating the black and white image in the digital darkroom.'
Andrew Gibson has some inexpensive e-books, a series of three in BW, quote above.
I was actually going to follow a book myself by David Du Chemin that has assignments in. But if you go ahead with a book group I will join in.
I'll spend some time looking around at B&W ebooks and maybe just look for something to compliment your themes.
How's that sound?
Alright, lots of great interest already! The wonderful Ann H. LeFevre ( @olivetreeann ) is planning to organize another "Flash of Red February" - all black and white focused around weekly themes with a red selective color image in the middle of your calendar. I think it would be great for us to link-up with that, like we did last year, and perhaps add a book in addition.
It sounds like many were interested in an eBook for ease and access. Some one had mentioned Andrew Gibson as a possible author ( http://craftandvision.com/collections/andrew-s-gibson ) or another book by Michael Freeman again, though his are not eBooks.
Please share ASAP if you have a strong opinion or suggestion about a book. (You are also welcome to join in without the book component.)
I wouldn't mind doing the same book again. There was certainly more to be gained from several rereads.
Dear all, here is what I propose for February, and it's a bit of a three tiered plan.
1) All who are interested in shooting black and white for the month of February can join in the "Flash of Red" challenge, and Ann will post weekly big themes to follow. No book buying/reading necessary.
2) Those interested in the book club aspect can participate through reading and reviewing the book from last year: The Complete Guide to Black and White Photography by Michael Freeman (overview of the book/purchase links from last year here: http://www.boostyourphotography.com/2014/01/bookclub.html ). (*Revised* The field guide version of the book IS available for Kindle for $9.99 USD.)
3) Those who would rather do an eBook or want a slightly less technical approach to many of the same ideas can buy The Magic of Black and White Part 1 by Andrew Gibson, $5 USD eBook http://craftandvision.com/collections/andrew-s-gibson/products/the-magic-of-black-and-white-1.
I think both books will allow for great conversation and learning about black and white photography, as well as provide people an entry at a level of commitment/cost that works for them.
Stay tuned for updates about the weekly themes and can't wait to see all your incredible black and white shots!
Huge thanks to you both for organising and hosting this, I will be in, cannot wait.
I will look into the books and see if I can get hold of either.
Woo hoo!
I have never tried B&W and I am new on 365 so ...this will be a challenge for me. Here we go... Thank you for all this information.