Feb. 4-10 Using Black and White to Enhance Texture
Whether you are shooting in color or black and white, paying attention to the elements of composition will bring a stronger dynamic to your picture. Texture is a compositional element that black and white particularly loves. Explore different textures this week or choose one to feature in each of your black and white shots.
Texture engages a person when they look at a photo. It is the element most likely to make them want to actually reach out and touch the picture. It is also the element which produces the greatest “lie” because it turns your two-dimensional subject into a three-dimensional object. Even though the viewer knows the photo is flat and has no volume, texture makes them feel like there is something before them that they could wrap their fingers around. The center of a sunflower looks like it is protruding through the paper. A crocheted blanket appears to be waiting for someone to pick it up and use it for warmth.
(From Seeing in Black and White: An Amateur Photographer’s Thoughts on the Art of Monochrome. AHL c.2018)
Sample ideas: smooth, rough, bumpy, coarse, silky, soft and so on! You may also notice that quite often texture emphasizes a particular pattern too. Patterns create a rhythm to your photo, give definition to or identify your subject matter (like the smooth contour of a green pepper or the ridges created on tree bark) and depending on how they catch your eye can even be the subject of your photo. Pay attention to how the texture of your shot creates patterns too.
Tag your photos flashofred2019 and feel free to post your favorite photo of the previous week in the discussion thread below.
We're up to 69 photographers participating in Flash of Red February. That's awesome. Next week's post will explain further what that "Flash" is so stay tuned if you're new to this challenge.
@shutterbug49 I found that after my first time doing this I had a much better perception of color. And the reverse is true. I now can see the potential of a good black and white in color. I hope that works for you too!
@pandorasecho Thanks Dixie! It's hard to believe it has lasted that long and stayed so popular. How cool is that?!
I thought I'd share with you my favorite light shot of the week. I liked all three of my "discoveries" but this is the composition I like the most. Now on to texture!
I'm joining in late please Ann. Although my first three are black and white, I had no idea about the theme. Please do add my name to your list and thank you for the detailed information and support you are putting into this challenge.
Hi all, although I have taken a few mono shots they have usually been "spur of the moment" shots or converted during editing. Hopefully this challenge will push me to think a bit more about it.
The shot below is one I took and posted (and here I'm pushing my luck a little lol) eight days ago.
This is my favorite photo from the previous week, simply because it's so very different from what I usually shot. Although I'll miss color this month, I am happy to be doing this challenge because it is causing me to notice, think about, and capture images in a creative way that is very different from my norm. Thanks for organizing this challenge.
@mbrownphotography Very nice- and no problem with the link. People do that all the time here.
@chejja I'm glad you're enjoying the challenge Caroline. That's a great shot- I really like the bold pattern created by the white stripes (blinds?) and the contrasting dark spots in between them.
@nickspicsnz Sure thing Nick! I enjoy running it just as much as everyone seems to enjoy taking part in it!
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We're up to 69 photographers participating in Flash of Red February. That's awesome. Next week's post will explain further what that "Flash" is so stay tuned if you're new to this challenge.
@beryl It helps me too!
@shutterbug49 I found that after my first time doing this I had a much better perception of color. And the reverse is true. I now can see the potential of a good black and white in color. I hope that works for you too!
@pandorasecho Thanks Dixie! It's hard to believe it has lasted that long and stayed so popular. How cool is that?!
uncomplicated and it's due to the lighting.
I thought I'd share with you my favorite light shot of the week. I liked all three of my "discoveries" but this is the composition I like the most. Now on to texture!
I will add you both on the list- glad you're joining in!
@lyndamcg You're already on there! Third tag up from the end of the list.
@grammyn I liked that one too!
The shot below is one I took and posted (and here I'm pushing my luck a little lol) eight days ago.
Not sure if I am permitted to do this but this is a link to a photo of it I posted on another site. https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2536282303672355446
@chejja I'm glad you're enjoying the challenge Caroline. That's a great shot- I really like the bold pattern created by the white stripes (blinds?) and the contrasting dark spots in between them.
@nickspicsnz Sure thing Nick! I enjoy running it just as much as everyone seems to enjoy taking part in it!
@annied @bizziebeeme Beautiful capture! Thanks for sharing that!