Some people are passionate that black and white is the only true medium for photography, others that a photo without colour is lacking in something. I’m inclined to take a middle stance, as I believe that both have their merits, depending on a number of factors. Subject matter of course, but also time of day, lighting, composition and, perhaps most important, what story you want to tell.
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Over the last few months since our return from Mexico I’ve covered most of the highlights of our trip in a number of posts, from the sights of Mexico City to the ruins of Monte Alban, and from the Copper Canyon to the whales of the Sea of Cortez. But some favourite photos failed to find their way into those posts.
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The appeal of black and white portraiture lies in the way it simplifies the image. Without the distraction of colours, the focus shifts more to the subject’s face and expression. The eyes in particular seem to stand out more, and consequently as a viewer you often feel more connected to the person.
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This year our dreary spring has continued into this, one of my favourite months, with only a few brighter days. We did have one glorious weekend in the middle of the month, with temperatures more like summer than spring. But we also had more grey days and more wet ones.
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The historic heart of Split is built on and around the ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, the residence and military garrison of the 3rd century Roman emperor. Its remains can be spotted in the foundations of Renaissance palaces, in passageways and side streets, and in a few extant buildings such as the Baptistry.
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Usually I like to choose a theme for my black and white galleries. Maybe a particular country, or a subject such as flowers or buildings. But sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit with an assortment of rather different shots.
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Images of a sunrise as the sun reappears over the horizon, a seedling sprouting from barren soil, or a rainbow stretching across the sky are often used to symbolise hope. They represent new beginnings, growth, and the promise of better days ahead.
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As a photographer I’m often fascinated by the way my camera allows me to capture a single moment in another person’s life. Especially so when I travel, when I’m very conscious that my out of the ordinary adventure overlaps for that moment with their everyday. They are getting on with their regular lives while I am taking time out of mine.
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Observing or meeting children when we travel I realise that, even more than adults, they have far more in common with each other regardless of where they live than they do any differences. They enjoy play, they seek friendship, they need acceptance and respect. And of course they all need the basics of food, drink, shelter, education.
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While not exactly stormy, spring this year has definitely been wet and quite often cooler than normal. Yes, there have been odd days when it felt like winter was well behind us, with warm sunshine giving us all a lift. But within a couple of days the clouds had descended, the thermometer dropped, and the rain returned.
