“Black and White” is the Photo Theme For December

Black and White – What is special about black and white photography? Black and white photography removes any distraction of color and helps the viewer focus on other aspects of the photo, such as the subject, the textures, shapes and patterns, and the composition.  Since color cannot be used as a compositional element the photographer needs to use the other aspects of the photograph to convey his/her story.

By using different tones of gray, ranging from white to dark, the photographer can create compelling images. This genre has a very long history – as long as photography itself. By the time photographers captured the first color photograph in 1861, monochrome photos had been around for 35 years.

Ansel Adams, discussing the differences between the two types of photography, said, “I can get a far greater sense of ‘color’ through a well-planned and executed black and white image than I have ever achieved with color photography.”

Create photographs that fit the theme and upload up to five of them to the club’s Monthly Photo Themes flickr group.  Post them during December, not before or after, that way they’ll appear together with other club member’s images.

[Photo by Reno DiTullio]