Speaking figuratively, Sofia is not a black and white city. Its history is too complex, its architectural influences too diverse. But like any city it lends itself to black and white photography.
Here for Bren’s Mid-Week Monochrome challenge are some shots from my recent visit, all edited using Nik Silver Efex Pro. Some have already appeared, or will soon do, in other posts, in their original colour rendition. Others really only worked well in monochrome so this will be their only outing!
Those who say that colour will eventually replace black and white are talking nonsense. The two do not compete with each other. They are different means to different ends.
Edward Weston
One of the sculptural groups at the Monument to the Soviet Army
(a full post about this controversial monument to follow in a week or so)
Outside a bar near the Doctors’ Garden
Staircase in the Palace National Art Gallery
(the colour version of this appeared in my September Selection, as did that of my featured photo of St Alexander Nevski Cathedral from a rooftop bar)
One of a pair of lions guarding the Palace of Justice
Lamppost in the City Garden on a misty morning
Fountain in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Detail of one of the sculptural groups that top the National Theatre
An attractive neo-classical building near the City Garden
Another view of St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
The ancient St George Rotunda Church with Roman ruins in front
The statue of Sveta Sofia that tops a column in the city centre, where Lenin once stood
(You can read more about her in a post from my previous visit to the city, about the Square of Religious Tolerance)
Taken near ul. Iskar
(another shot of this man featured in my recent street art gallery but while that version emphasised the wall painting, this monochrome one draws attention to the man himself)
I last visited Sofia in September 2022, when all these photos were taken
19 Comments
Aletta - nowathome
Wonderful black and white photos Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Aletta 😊
grandmisadventures
he black and white really brings out the beautiful details in your photos 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – it’s always interesting how B&W emphasises different aspects of a shot 🙂
leightontravels
A handsome gallery of photos Sarah. The man at the end was a good choice as the closing shot. Penny for his thoughts…
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Leighton 🙂 Yes indeed, he does look pensive. I have a second photo taken of him just after this one which I used in colour in my recent Sofia street art post. In that one he has spotted me and is looking at the camera, creating a very different mood.
bluebrightly
It’s fun to use Silver Efex, isn’t it? The staircase is beautifully framed and the man in the last photo is, too.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, yes – I love the options it gives me and the potential to tweak to get the image just right!
wetanddustyroads
Although I’m a great fan of colour, I agree that black and white just sometimes brings out detail that you won’t otherwise see in colour. Like that staircase – beautiful!
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks 🙂 To me it completely depends on the lighting and the subject matter – some are better as colour, others in B&W. But a few, like that staircase, work well as either!
Mike and Kellye Hefner
I think the black and white shots are lovely, Sarah. I especially like the contrasts of the staircase in the National Art Gallery.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – I was pleased with that one, although it’s not so very different to the colour version in fact!
Bren
Wonderful black and white images for the challenge xx
Sarah Wilkie
Thank Bren – it’s great to have a challenge that celebrates B&W!
Bren
Thank you xx
Anne Sandler
Great B&Ws Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne, I had fun editing them!
margaret21
I love B/W here! It reminds me of the good old days of b/w picture postcards (you’re too young …), and the subjects you choose here benefit from the treatment. Though he wouldn’t have made it onto a postcard, I particularly like the last shot, the pensive man.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Margaret 🙂 I do remember B&W postcards, I’m not so much younger than you!