To separate the elements of lines, shape and space and focus on just one of these, is what we are being asked to do in the black and white month for this week. I had trouble deciding which to concentrate on. Ann's excellent notes based on text from David duChemin add an additional dimension to the task and a challenge to think deeply about
"We need, and hunger for, context, insight, hope, and the kind of visual poetry that stirs our hearts, sparks our imaginations, churns our stomachs, or light a fire in us. "
I like that. But it is a lot to ask from a walk along the familiar riverside in a search for lines, shapes, space, light bringing depth and rhythm and the only thing going on in my head is "dance? really? me? what on earth ....... " (that's the 52 portraits of me challenge for the week).
Looks like I have my work cut out this week. it is a good thing I have some time off work.
Oh, and I have used this image as a base for my photo album cover which launches the new Album Cover Challenge #90
I struggle with the idea of separating line from shape since lines define shapes. But regardless this is a wonderful image and undoubtedly meets the "lines" brief.
@helenm2016 I am glad I am not the only one. The three are all closely intertwined and usually I would look at them as a whole, rather than separating them - so I quite agree with you.
Well, it works for lines and the square version works for the album cover.. could work as an abstract too... (although for abstract-5 I'm looking for intentional abstract)
@helenm2016 aha, well i'm so glad to read that you both, helen m and helen jane, are scratching their heads over this too! i did enjoy your narrative helen! you certainly found some gorgeous and interesting lines here, in fact i think they're dancing ;)
@helenm2016@helenhall@pistache The way I see this playing out in your pictures is not so much that they are separate (although they can be- think of a bowl of apples as compared to the railings on a staircase. One is definitely based on shape and the other line) but what do you want to emphasize. So let's take the picture above. Yes you can see shapes (mostly triangles) in between the lines in your reflection, but the eye is drawn more to the lines than it is to the shape. Does that make better sense? That's the artistry of it- taking one element and emphasizing it within the composition. However, you really do have the option to approach the month in any way you want. Most of all I want you to enjoy taking black and white photos this month. The "assignments" are just prompts if you want to use them.
I love David DuChemin. I highly recommend his books. I have read 2 of them - “The Visual Toolbos” and “The Soul of the Camera”. He is an amazing humantarian photographer. You should google him if you haven’t already. Great photo - love all the lines.
Beautifully captured! I second Kahsia's @moonmtn comment on David duChemin . . . I have 2 of his books - "Within The Frame" and "The Soul of the Camera". I thoroughly enjoy viewing his YouTube videos...I highly recommend them.
@olivetreeann Thank you Ann. Yes, it does make sense. I understand, my difficulty lies in separating these elements when I am thinking about a composition, but I can see why it helps to be able to do this. In some cases it is obvious - but I had several shots yesterday where line and shape were taking equal part in the composition. Thanks for all of your helpful words here - and in the challenge notes.
@moonmtn@gaylewood I did follow Anns link through and take a quick look at the website. I'm sure I would enjoy further reading...viewing and with both your recommendations as well as Anns, will take time to investigate further.
@helenm2016 @helenhall @pistache The way I see this playing out in your pictures is not so much that they are separate (although they can be- think of a bowl of apples as compared to the railings on a staircase. One is definitely based on shape and the other line) but what do you want to emphasize. So let's take the picture above. Yes you can see shapes (mostly triangles) in between the lines in your reflection, but the eye is drawn more to the lines than it is to the shape. Does that make better sense? That's the artistry of it- taking one element and emphasizing it within the composition. However, you really do have the option to approach the month in any way you want. Most of all I want you to enjoy taking black and white photos this month. The "assignments" are just prompts if you want to use them.
love it