Week 2
February 5-11 Focus on elements of composition with Architecture
Whether you are shooting in color or black and white, the composition of your photo is your foundation. When the elements of composition work together they draw the viewer in and make them want to look longer. You can find numerous lists on-line stating what these elements are with slight variations on a few components but for the most basic of lists, contrast, texture, shape, line/pattern and quality of light would be found on all of them. Professional photographer and instructor Michael Sladek of PetaPixl offers this advice:
First, I look for contrast. The image will be strongest in black and white when it has the deepest blacks and brightest whites. It is called “black and white,” not “dark gray and light gray.” Seek out shadows and highlights.
Second, look for texture. Subjects with texture will often have interesting interactions with light that creates shadows and increases the potential for story and mood in the image. Look for contrast in textures, too — rough and smooth, old and new, organic and human-made.
Third, pay attention to colors. If the composition is mostly one color, that can often work well in black and white, as the image is already monochrome. Also, watch for contrasting colors, as that will also work well in black and white.
This week we will pay closer attention to the elements of composition while featuring architecture in our photos. Take a walk around your block, down a city street, or even make a circuit around your own home. Take note of Sladek’s suggestions- contrast, texture and the kind of colors you’re seeing. You have the option of photographing one building all week or one each day- it’s up to you. When you find an interesting building, components such as texture and contrast will be very evident. Other elements such as shape and line or pattern will emerge as well.
Here are five tips to help you better compose your shots from Mark Beckenbach:
Focus on simple shapes. Because black and white photography highlights minimalism, the subjects with simple shapes, curves, and lines tend to stand out when you take away the distraction of colors.
Find angles that avoid distractions. When you’re shooting a place with lots of activity, showing the hustle and bustle is a good way to capture the energy of the place. When you want to photograph, say, architecture or any interesting element without the distracting elements (like people walking into the frame), try switching up your angles or vantage points.
Look for leading lines. This is a fundamental composition technique that works for any kind of photography. But, it’s especially useful and powerful in black and white, again, because it places the emphasis on composition.
Use contrast between light and dark. This usually works best when you work with shadows and brightly lit areas on a sunny day. But if the weather is not cooperating, try to look for light or bright subjects against a dark background, and vice versa.
Craig McCord adds another important point. “Capture symmetry. Architecture shots often look great with symmetrical composition. But, it’s just one of the subjects where symmetry can produce interesting results. Practice and experiment!”
I hope you have fun getting out and about for your black and white photos this week. To see the full articles by the photographers mentioned above or for further information check out the links below.
@beryl I admire you for trying it Beryl! And don't feel guilty about using archives- the point is to have fun trying and not feel pressured to do shots in a particular way.
Thank you for all the info and the interesting read. It is a bit outside my comfort zone and I will certainly check out the links as well as my archive!
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Happy Black and White Shooting everyone!
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So glad you're finding the info useful. I get a lot out of looking it all up!
I have seen a few with only for24.........
I'll try to highlight that on next week's prompt so that people can be sure to correct it.
Glad to see you're all off to a good start and enjoying the challenge!