As a photographer, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut in terms of creativity. I certainly do from time to time. To help combat this I often set about some photos I’ve already edited and re-imagine them in a different way. Monochrome is a great way to do this.
Monochrome, or black & white, photos can have a real impact on the viewer. In a world where we see in full colour, looking at a black and white photo might seem odd – but I never fell that way. I also never view a black and white photo and imagine what it would be like in colour. Yet, I am always in awe when I see old black and white photos, from a time before colour film (and certainly digital cameras), that have been colourised. One of the best people I’ve seen at this is Marina Amaral; her work is mindblowing.
Recent work in monochrome
Colourization aside, I decided to go back through my photos from the past week or so and work them in monochrome.
Some of the photos I chose I have already edited in colour and have been published either in my blog or on my Instagram.
I do go through trends of working in black and white. Sometimes every image I sit down to edit seems to look great in black and white. But I battle with myself that I should work in colour too as that is how we see the world. I don’t know why I limit myself really, as in Lightroom you can great virtual copies of images and work them in any way you like.
The Lane
This is actually a shot I took on my Samsung S7 smartphone and not on my main camera. It was actually this shot that propelled me into this mini-series of photos. I used a Lightroom preset and then tweaked it a little until I was happy with it.
I shot this on a local lane whilst out on one of my early mornings walks with the dogs.
The Cow by the Pond
This is a shot I made on a Saturday evening. Again, I was out with the dogs and headed for a local hillside with a pond. I wasn’t expecting the cows to be in there and this one was almost posing for me by the edge of the algae-covered water. The setting sun’s light was catching her beautifully.
Down by the River
We’ve taken full advantage of the warm summer evenings this week and made a couple of trips to local rivers. There’s something liberating about wild swimming and I love that our girls enjoy it too. Being outdoors and making memories is so fulfilling.
I love how the filtered sunlight through the tree illuminated the girls as they prepare to enter the water.
Biking on the Moors
I am out on my bike more than ever at the moment. I am not able to run due to injury so the bike is my release. Getting out there and enjoying the fresh air and the wind on my face is such a release. Cycling through all the little villages on the edge of the North York Moors is something I really enjoy.
This is another mobile phone shot and I was in two minds whether to post this one. But it offers a variety to this selection of photos and I like it – that’s what matters.
Dalmatian Crossing
Another night in a different river. This is Dottie crossing the river we were playing in. She’s not usually a fan of water but she seemed to be really enjoying herself on this occasion. She was crossing the river then coming back on the footbridge the I am stood under using my GoPro.
It was a warm evening with a little cloud around. This edit does enhance those clouds but it’s the light on the surface of the water I really love here.
How about you?
What do you feel about monochrome photography?
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I would love to know your thoughts. Drop me a comment and let me know.
Thanks for reading.
