Looking for a different kind of inspiration, a way to work on your black and white skills, or a monthly challenge with a twist? This one might be for you then. The idea is to take a black and white shot for each day in February with one exception. On February 14th use selective coloring to bring out a flash of red in your picture. Here's the weekly guidelines:
Feb. 1-3 Portraits without people. Interpret as you see fit!
Feb. 4-10 Architecture Walk about town or use your own home.
Feb. 11-13 A household object.
Feb. 14 A household object with a flash of red- use selective coloring to feature the red in your shot.
Feb. 15-17 A household object.
Feb. 18-24 Fun with exposure. Over expose or under expose your shots for the week- your choice.
Feb. 25-28 Your choice: 1) Sneak a Peek candids (on the street, in the store, etc.); make sure your subjects don't see you shooting and cannot be identified. 2) pov special- up high, down low, or on an angle- anything out of the ordinary, or 3) abstract shapes.
When this challenge is finished your calendar view should be quite striking with that flash of red on the 14th.
Tag your shots flash-o-red and post them here so others can be inspired and enjoy.
@daisy This will be the most black and white I've ever shot! But I can't wait to see the whole month done with just that little touch of red. Hope you join us Kathryn!
@olivetreeann - thanks, oh, challenge meister! i have tagged some or all of those peeps who did the previous challenges with us and those peeps i know are into b&w. this should be fun!
@olivetreeann I still can't do selective coloring and I have no idea what portraits without people means. Good luck to those who take the challenge. I don't think I can do it.
I was actually going to challenge myself to 30 days of B&W starting Feb 1, so I might be able to incorporate this challenge with my plan... and maybe mix in the "word of the day' prompts as well!
I'm in! I'm getting an Ace account this week because I want to start doing monthly themes in addition to my regular project. This'll be a perfect first one! Very cool!
I will try to put together a collage today that has some selective coloring. I will do my best to explain the process. It is a lot of fun- and not as hard as it sounds once you know which tool to use.
@summerfield Oh Vicki, you are a devil throwing down this gauntlet! :0) I found the last challenge very restricting and ended not fully completing it. :0( Thank you so much for the invite (and you must have some sense of belief that I can do it) so I may try and see if I can handle another one............oh the pressure, it is already buillding :0)))
@kymbirleigh Looking forward to your joining us if possible! @claireuk Your project, your rules! We encourage any level of participation- no pressure!!
For those of you who have never tried selective coloring and are wondering how it works, you can find an explanation of how it was done in these shots by checking out my second album "themes and competitions" on the date of January 23, 2013. I tried my best to keep it simple!
@prttblues --- I needed to look up 'portraits without people'.
In 'Pilgrimage,' Leibovitz Explores Portraits Without People
"Known for portraits of celebrities and musicians, Annie Leibovitz has given herself a new assignment: capture striking landscapes and visit the homes of iconic figures to document significant items from their past. Jeffrey Brown and Leibovitz discuss her "Pilgrimage" book and exhibition at the Smithsonian's American Art Museum." http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june12/leibovitz_02-07.html
Robert Weingarten: Portraits Without People
Mar 03 2011-Apr 02 2011
Marlborough Graphics is pleased to announce an exhibition of the Portraits Without People series by photographer Robert Weingarten. In this series, Weingarten creates composite portraits of his subjects without using their likenesses. Images that correspond to specific passions, achievements, belongings or moments in the lives of prominent individuals are digitally combined and layered to create stunning metaphorical portraits, which the artist calls translucent composites.
@dmortega Thanks so much for posting those links Dorrena! I had no clue what they were either and was going to do my own take on it. Now that I've seen the definitions, I wasn't that far off!
I love the concept but struggle with the idea of learning the selective coloring for just one day all month. I'm considering modifying it to have either a flash of red in each corner too or in each of the pictures in a diagonal row containing the 14th in the center. I'm afaid I love color and am no fan of black and white but I do adore using the whole calendar page as a canvas
Plus I keep imagining a whole quilt of everyone's calendar pages, all shades of B&W with that pop of red at the heart. Too cool.
But black and white, plus only red on one day I can probably do that, but on the 14th I want freedom to post a picture of someone I love and not just a household object.
@olivetreeann@summerfield Thanks for the shout out. I love the idea of this challenge, and it's going to make a striking month view. Unfortunately, I have some things coming up in February that might keep me away from here. So, I don't know if I'll be able to play the whole month. I might pop in here and there because I do want to work on B&W skills and have never tried selective coloring.
@pandorasecho - of course, you can do that. in all the photos, you are not strictly limited to what's being asked. for the 14th, you can post a picture of your husband wearing or holding anything that's red, or something red in the background. your creativity will be in full gear, and knowing you, my friend, you're going to give me a big surprise that will make me say "darn it, why didn't i think of that?"
@dmortega Brilliant links thank you, clarifies very well. @olivetreeann Wonderful idea, I'll give it a go. Looks like fun! @summerfield Thanks for the alert. :)
Thanks for joining the fun everyone! Yes, I'm anxious for Feb. to come because I'm looking forward to trying some new things. I have done b/w for a week before, but never a month, so it will be a big step for me too!
And welcome Tracy! I hope this challenge is a great experience for you! Have fun with it!
@dmortega And thank you again Dorenna for the great links!
On Day 2, I worked with the concept of a self portrait without me in the photo. I had an idea in my head . This idea was to show me looking out the window (the view I see when I look out the window). This is the closest I could come to the image I had in my mind.
Although I am not up to or participating in this challenge, it is a wonderful idea, and I'm looking forward to viewing the calendars' of those whom participate. Just lovely work so far ! : )
Feb. 1-3 Portraits without people. Interpret as you see fit!
A portrayal of my Boyfriend;
This is a portrait of my amazing Boyfriend @Skuggi without having him in the photo. It's actually very difficult to bring together items that help portray someone. There are so many, but I had to limit what I used. Try it and see if you can portray a loved one or friends persona just by displaying items.
Saw Vikki @ summerfield mention this. I am going to do it., I cannot wait to see my calendar view! And I need to do more b and w! I may have to move one of my February pics I already posted into album two and three, and add a b and w for those days I was not aware of this. But I am going to do it!
back from my weekend away and working on catching up and getting some shots for this challenge... so far i've got two done, but need to do my third "portrait without people"... this is not a concept that comes easily to me so i'm kinda struggling...
@foxsparrow Thanks for stopping by Ann! @pandorasecho I will have to do that Dixie- thanks for the tip! @espyetta glad you'll be joining us MaryBeth! the most I've ever done is a week's worth so this is going to be interesting!
@johnmnewman Nice shot John- the smoke stack almost looks like a tree. @mbrunner Wow- I can't believe someone actually lives there! @primitiveprobe Great night shot Andreas! @skuggi Interesting structure Steve. @pandorasecho Great comparison shots.
The entries continue to cover such a wide range! Thanks for posting them here.
One thing I have noticed, after looking at this discussion and my page and the flash o red tag pages, is that black and white starts to feel like the norm and then I go to my hone tab and find myself startled by the color
I focused on getting a b&w architectural photo today after I quickly read the description for the "Flash of Red" theme. I read the part where today was within the week for "architectural walk, in town or in house" so I took this photo of the shower door hardware. Again, practicing with the 50mm, f/1.4 lens. Well, the moral of the story is that you should read the directions carefully, digest it, read it again and then participate. The theme is b&w all month, and a flash of red on Valentine's Day. Duh. No wonder the theme is named as it is. Oh, well. I was inspired by Paul's "Cutting Edge Technology" photo on February 3 at http://365project.org/steampowered/365/2013-02-03
I am so enjoying all of your shots- I can't tell you how so many of these made me say "WOW"!! You've posted some excellent shots. So glad you're all taking part in this challenge!
@pandorasecho That's an impressive looking one! When I was teaching it always surprised me at how excited the 9th graders became when we'd go outside and they could play on the playground!
@northy lol Northy- I went to see my comments tonight and there were 85! I am overwhelmed by the response to this- but in a good way. And I finally put the tag in to see all the shots and was blown away by the awesome pictures I saw there!
@rcemine Awesome shot Reece- glad you shared it with us. It's perfectly composed! @helenthedoodler Beautiful architectural captures Helen! And I really like the new pov on your household object- great change up for it.
@johnmnewman good one John! @skuggi looks like dinner was quite flavorful! @rcemine Welcome aboard! @mbrunner Looks like an abstract advertisement! Nice processing.
@apogee2012 Hi Britt- FYI- This isn't a vote off- it's just postings of people who are participating in the month long challenge listed at the beginning of the thread. And if you think what you see here is amazing, type the tag flash-o-red into search and check out all the photos there!
@johnmnewman The spice of life! @skuggi Nice change-up on the perspective for this one. @mbrunner Watch your hand there! Those graters are handy aren't they?
@cnlane splash of red and splash of the bubbly- nice combo! @cocolil that's a pretty coat rack- the scarves look nice on it! @mbrunner I'd be keeping my home spit spot if Mc Clean was looking at me through the cleaning supplies too!
@mbrunner selfie? @primitiveprobe Well done- I was interested to see how many people would try low key. @slash Great job Susan! It's really cool how the underexposure totally changed the look of the picture.
@cocolil This could probably be considered underexposed because of it's dark edges- but I'm less of a judge on that as opposed to overexposed. There are some photographers here that have a signature style when it comes to overexposing. Check out Beachradish Tracy (she might be stillbeachradish now). Her pictures are amazing.
@cocolil I'd say it's overexposed Tracy and although it's blurry, that's ok because it has produced a lovely bokeh! It really does have that feeling of a tree blowing in the breeze.
@mbrunner It not only looks cold, it inspires shivers! Bravo to you for braving the cold to get the shot! @johnmnewman Ready to fly John- nostalgic shot.
@mbrunner Fantastic shot Martin! @johnmnewman Sets a powerful mood- I can see why you were drawn to shoot here. @primitiveprobe Great shots Andreas- funny I was taking some photographs of a rose this morning which I might post later. @helenthedoodler Helen the florals are beautiful!! Particularly the first one- excellent macro!
@olivetreeann it's been a great challenge. The last week really made me explore over exposure outside my comfort zone. Thank you Ann for hosting this challenge!
@primitiveprobe You are welcome Andreas! I've really enjoyed it too- and I have to say in all honesty, I'm glad exposure week is over!! On to the last phase and up in the air as to which approach I'll take!
@miley89 You can always adjust it to a personal challenge for March Miley- use the same outline for the weeks and pick a day to use selective coloring. If you're into St. Patrick's Day you could do a selective coloring shot with green on that day- or maybe someone special has a birthday in March- you could shoot color on that day. I didn't think I'd enjoy a month's worth of b/w photos, which is why I chose Feb. as it's short! But in the end, I enjoyed it quite a bit!
@mbrunner Wow Martin! That is an awesome shot! @primitiveprobe Love that longing look toward the door- sort of how I feel about Spring and warmer weather right now!
@mbrunner you are too funny! and great action shot- love the blur. @primitiveprobe cool macro- took a moment to figure out what it was! @johnmnewman beautiful!
@skuggi Wonderful street shots Steven! Thanks so much for participating in the Flash Of Red Challenge. I hope you enjoyed taking part in it as I have enjoyed viewing your posts here.
@johnmnewman The grand finale! Nice capture. Thanks for joining the Flash of Red Challenge John! I have enjoyed your posts and hope you're pleased with the way your calendar looks now that it's all finished!
@primitiveprobe Great shot Andreas! And a fine finish to the Flash of Red Challenge. I hope you had fun with this challenge. I really enjoyed seeing your posts here!
@helenthedoodler Grate shot to finish up the challenge! I'm glad you enjoyed taking part in it. Yes, on to March and color! But don't forget to post a black and white every now and then for old time's sake! hehe
@mbrunner My goodness- this month took everything out of you!! lol What a fun and fanciful finish Martin- but I've really come to enjoy your photos and your sense of humor. I'm glad you liked the challenge! It was a good one for me too!
Final black and white for February!! Where did the month go?! I hope you've enjoyed the challenge as much as I have. Now go to your calendar and look at the whole month. Isn't that flash of red cool?!!
@emrob Thanks so much for joining in Mandy- your calendar view looks great! It has really been fun seeing all the posts here! It was as much fun for me as it was for all who took part!
@olivetreeann Thanks for the great idea, I like how it looks in my calender, just wished I could of devoted more time to it. And my peanut is a little annoying. But I enjoyed it, thankyou for your kind comments!
@prttblues I saw you asked how to do spot colour – I only learned how myself last week but it is actually easy in photoshop. I used Scott Kelby’s Elements 10 book and these are the steps for a PC not Mac.
1 Open your image
2 Ctrl J to make a copy layer
3 Press B to open the brish tool
4 Press D (this is the bit that takes away the colour)
5 Now with the brush go over everything you want to turn black and white. You will need to hold the left button down to “paint” and leave everything you want to remain in a colour
6 If you go over something that you did not mean to then press E (erase) and paint back over the area where you want the colour back
7 Save and that’s it !!
You don't need the book to participate, although it doesn't hurt to have it. There are actually two versions which she explains in the original post about the challenge. Katie does an excellent job in giving you summaries of the reading referencing both editions.
I hope you decide to participate. This is one of my favorite challenges- not because I originally thought it up but because when the month is done and you look at your calendar view, it really looks cool! (You can see an example on Katie's post above.)
Yes, you can post your shots on the challenge thread as well as in your own project- it's up to you. You can also find other people's shots by using the pull down menu on browse- select "by tag" and then type in bw-bookclub in the search bar and 365 will pull up all the photos with that tag.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
@summerfield
Here you go- pass it on!!
hope you will join us in this challenge.
you might want to join this challenge.
I will try to put together a collage today that has some selective coloring. I will do my best to explain the process. It is a lot of fun- and not as hard as it sounds once you know which tool to use.
Thanks to all who took a look-see! Looking forward to all the interesting photos to come for those who are joining in!
@claireuk Your project, your rules! We encourage any level of participation- no pressure!!
In 'Pilgrimage,' Leibovitz Explores Portraits Without People
"Known for portraits of celebrities and musicians, Annie Leibovitz has given herself a new assignment: capture striking landscapes and visit the homes of iconic figures to document significant items from their past. Jeffrey Brown and Leibovitz discuss her "Pilgrimage" book and exhibition at the Smithsonian's American Art Museum."
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/entertainment/jan-june12/leibovitz_02-07.html
Robert Weingarten: Portraits Without People
Mar 03 2011-Apr 02 2011
Marlborough Graphics is pleased to announce an exhibition of the Portraits Without People series by photographer Robert Weingarten. In this series, Weingarten creates composite portraits of his subjects without using their likenesses. Images that correspond to specific passions, achievements, belongings or moments in the lives of prominent individuals are digitally combined and layered to create stunning metaphorical portraits, which the artist calls translucent composites.
@johnmnewman Looking forward to seeing your work!
But black and white, plus only red on one day I can probably do that, but on the 14th I want freedom to post a picture of someone I love and not just a household object.
Your project, your rules (o:
Thanks for joining the fun everyone! Yes, I'm anxious for Feb. to come because I'm looking forward to trying some new things. I have done b/w for a week before, but never a month, so it will be a big step for me too!
And welcome Tracy! I hope this challenge is a great experience for you! Have fun with it!
@dmortega And thank you again Dorenna for the great links!
@slash Welcome to the challenge!
This clay clown/girl was made by my daughter 4 years ago. I thought it was perfect for Portraits without People.
Great portraits! Tracy- yours is adorable! Alta- yours is clever! And Jo- yours is beautiful!
Lovely portraits! It's interesting to see all the different approaches we take and the things we choose to illustrate our subject.
Things I enjoy when I have the time - cooking and reading magazines.
Lovely portraits ladies! I like how each one has a very "soft" feel to it- something beautiful that comes from within.
Your pictures look great and I'm really enjoying the different ways we are approaching the first leg of this challenge!
My son's passion - sport!
My reading lamp...
Great shots continue to come in! I'm so enjoying each capture and nuance. What a creative bunch we have here!
Princess Polly
A portrayal of my Boyfriend;
This is a portrait of my amazing Boyfriend @Skuggi without having him in the photo. It's actually very difficult to bring together items that help portray someone. There are so many, but I had to limit what I used. Try it and see if you can portray a loved one or friends persona just by displaying items.
Here is today titled "Bound Together" - symbolic of the ties that bind families together.
Great pictures everyone. I am so enjoying the wide variety of approaches that we're all taking with these early shots.
@pandorasecho I will have to do that Dixie- thanks for the tip!
@espyetta glad you'll be joining us MaryBeth! the most I've ever done is a week's worth so this is going to be interesting!
Here's my day 1 picture for the flash-o-red challenge..Portraits without people.. :)
Fun portrait Jaclyn! Compelling b/w Andreas. Lovely architecture Tracy!
On to architecture today...
Feb. 4-10 Architecture Walk about town or use your own home.
@helenthedoodler Great shot! Excellent pov & comp.
@johnmnewman So interesting! Very intriguing shot.
@primitiveprobe Great perspective- love the geometry.
@archaeofrog Love it!!!
St Mary's Basilica - Geelong.
http://echo-echosvoice.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-death-and-decay-of-mary-d-hume.html
@mbrunner Wow- I can't believe someone actually lives there!
@primitiveprobe Great night shot Andreas!
@skuggi Interesting structure Steve.
@pandorasecho Great comparison shots.
The entries continue to cover such a wide range! Thanks for posting them here.
I am quite lucky to have many old & interesting homes/buildings to capture in my town.
There is something about b/w and architectural shots that just go perfectly together! Nice shot to both of you!
Shooting B&W is opening up a whole new world and a whole new set of skills to learn. Thank you for this challenge!
I am so enjoying all of your shots- I can't tell you how so many of these made me say "WOW"!! You've posted some excellent shots. So glad you're all taking part in this challenge!
@mbrunner this has to be the most creative architecture shot I've seen so far!!
@primitiveprobe Awesome shot- love the clouds in contrast to the building.
I took this at the end of January, but thought it would still be appropriate for the architecture challenge.
@mbrunner Great contrast- interesting pillars?
New k-8 playground
Nicely done gentlemen!
@northy lol Northy- I went to see my comments tonight and there were 85! I am overwhelmed by the response to this- but in a good way. And I finally put the tag in to see all the shots and was blown away by the awesome pictures I saw there!
Architectural shot:
@helenthedoodler Beautiful architectural captures Helen! And I really like the new pov on your household object- great change up for it.
Rotating knives - Vorwerk food processor
@skuggi looks like dinner was quite flavorful!
@rcemine Welcome aboard!
@mbrunner Looks like an abstract advertisement! Nice processing.
@skuggi Nice change-up on the perspective for this one.
@mbrunner Watch your hand there! Those graters are handy aren't they?
Excellent takes on the flash of red Reece and Helen! Off to figure out what I'm going to do!
Well done my intrepid Flash of Red contributors! I love all the different pops of red today! Bravo to your creativity!!
in the shelter
mondane bin
@johnmnewman Nice shot! I like the shadows around the keys.
@primitiveprobe Great abstract!
@mbrunner Tight squeeze Martin!
@archaeofrog Nice! Love the gold seal too.
@helenthedoodler Great pov!
cleaning the apartment - get household work done
no time to make pictures - no fun
@cocolil that's a pretty coat rack- the scarves look nice on it!
@mbrunner I'd be keeping my home spit spot if Mc Clean was looking at me through the cleaning supplies too!
Great shots everyone!
"The secret of a good old age is simply an honorable pact with solitude." - GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ, One Hundred Years of Solitude
bother me, please
relaxing
@mbrunner whispering: excellent shot Martin!
@skuggi great macro!
@helenthedoodler Nice one Helen!
@johnmnewman Very atomspheric!
@primitiveprobe Great shots Andreas- the first one is really nice!
Great minds think alike Ann @olivetreeann
highkey
@primitiveprobe Well done- I was interested to see how many people would try low key.
@slash Great job Susan! It's really cool how the underexposure totally changed the look of the picture.
to household objects and more
underexposed: happy apple
Nice additions to the over/under exposed shots one and all!
over exposed - high key
Great shots Andreas, Martin and John!
windchill - waterfront - lake zurich
@johnmnewman Ready to fly John- nostalgic shot.
And yesterday's:
@johnmnewman Sets a powerful mood- I can see why you were drawn to shoot here.
@primitiveprobe Great shots Andreas- funny I was taking some photographs of a rose this morning which I might post later.
@helenthedoodler Helen the florals are beautiful!! Particularly the first one- excellent macro!
spring: Yes - desperately waiting for
winter: back off!
Great shots everyone! Can you believe this challenge will be over in a few days?!
crooked picture - is it?
some kind of storage silo
@primitiveprobe Love that longing look toward the door- sort of how I feel about Spring and warmer weather right now!
Enjoying your shots for this week!
@primitiveprobe cool macro- took a moment to figure out what it was!
@johnmnewman beautiful!
Yesterday's shot:
Done!
Its been 'Grate!!!'... ;) xx
to many meetings today?
need a break?
dream on!
omg - this is the final day of flash-o-red!!! Was real good fun - thank you Ann for this great idea! @olivetreeann
http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/16794/flash-of-red-finishers
@megsy @boogie @summerfield @httpgeffed @pjonas @roth @olivetreeann @kateygivan @catsmeowb @salza @wenbow @cookie123 @daisy @voodoochild @espyetta @lesip @slash @slang @northy @shutterbugger @la_photographic @pandorasecho @dmortega @nadaa @filsie65 @henrir @kazzamazoo @annaruth @claireuk @mrsc19 @gooner46 @salza @quietpurplehaze @tara11 @fullcircle @bmnorthernlight @paulien
@pandorasecho here you go ;-) bit behind with my month but all completed now :-)
1 Open your image
2 Ctrl J to make a copy layer
3 Press B to open the brish tool
4 Press D (this is the bit that takes away the colour)
5 Now with the brush go over everything you want to turn black and white. You will need to hold the left button down to “paint” and leave everything you want to remain in a colour
6 If you go over something that you did not mean to then press E (erase) and paint back over the area where you want the colour back
7 Save and that’s it !!
Have a go and have fun
http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/20886/bw-book-club-week-1-feb-1-2
You don't need the book to participate, although it doesn't hurt to have it. There are actually two versions which she explains in the original post about the challenge. Katie does an excellent job in giving you summaries of the reading referencing both editions.
And here is the original explanation of the challenge and the layout of the different weeks:
http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/20687/join-for-feb-b-and-w-book-club
I hope you decide to participate. This is one of my favorite challenges- not because I originally thought it up but because when the month is done and you look at your calendar view, it really looks cool! (You can see an example on Katie's post above.)
Also if you're not sure how to do selective coloring, Steve has listed one method above this post and here are some links using free on-line programs from my project:
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2014-01-17
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2014-01-18
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2014-01-19
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2014-01-20
Yes, you can post your shots on the challenge thread as well as in your own project- it's up to you. You can also find other people's shots by using the pull down menu on browse- select "by tag" and then type in bw-bookclub in the search bar and 365 will pull up all the photos with that tag.
I hope all this helps!
http://365project.org/olivetreeann/themes-and-comp/2013-01-23
http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/20687/join-for-feb-b-and-w-book-club
http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/20687/join-for-feb-b-and-w-book-club
You do not need the book to join in- Katie does an excellent job of explaining the weekly subject matter.