I was walking down the main street of a nearby town - camera in hand, fortunately - crossed the mouth of a side street and glanced down it - this is what I saw.
We're told that B&W photography is about shapes, form, texture, lines, angles, conjunctions, tonal gradations, contrasts, the interplay of light and shade... and there it all was, just like that. Henri Cartier-Bresson's 'decisive moment' I suppose, with the added bonuses of a moody sky, a strategically placed figure and some interesting reflections in the window of the left hand building. All I had to do was frame the shot and press the shutter, and I managed to do that whilst the girl was still close enough to be reflected in the building although I would have preferred her nearer the foreground... but I wasn't quite quick enough. Now if only it was as easy as this every day!
I offer you the usual recommendation - views nicely on black.
This works beautifully with the various shapes and the contrasts making the lighting block those shapes. And then it's all humanized by the girl. Well done!
A great description of b&w and its all there in your shot including the most amazing light and detail such as the lights. Its a fav for me. Can I press fav more than once?
Lovely scene. I envy being able to take camera along. With all the snow, bad roads, slippery footing I have been leaving mine at home. Enough to balance me to and from the car. But today no snow, some melting yesterday and time so taking my camera. Hoping to capture what it is like right now. Will try to keep these things in mind.
@joansmor This was taken with the little Sony RX100 Mkiii which was Mrs S's Christmas present to me, precisely so that I could always have a reasonable quality camera about my person. I'm made away with the quality for such a compact little beast, even at high ISO - most of my Year of Days album shots are taken with this camera.
@joansmor Correction - I see this one was taken with the Nex6 - still a lot more compact and lighter than the D90, even with the Zeiss 16-70mm f/4.0 fitted as here.
Nice shot Richard and I so agree with your analysis of it, if such is needed. As you say, "if ony it was always as easy" ... but it should be if I am right in my belief that if an image is going to work it has a much better chance of doing so if it is literally a 'snap' decision. The analysis can wait; the click of the shutter cannot. That is why I now work exclusively with a compact digital camera in mu pocket, ready to be pulled out for a quick click whenever something passes in front of my eyes and tells me it is right . . . and why I never use a tripod or supplementary lighting or any of the other camera club 'essentials' which, in turn, is why I am not a member of a camera club. This shot has to be a FAV for me!
The rare "easy" photo is a real treat, isn't it. There's an unusual contrast in this pic for me; the neat, organized lines of the background buildings and then this rectangle of wobbly lines in the reflection. That portion really stands out for me, especially on black. Great catch.
I am embarrassed to admit I've misplaced my PS. Which probably isn't as good as your but still take good pictures. I think I must have tucked it in a bag or somewhere. Grrrr. So mad at myself.
Great shot.
FAV