Leanne is motivating me to convert another of my color images to black and white. This time her challenge is on travel. This image was taken in Portland Maine, October 2022. Although I like the richness of the red/orange brick, I think this also works well in monochrome.

See her original post at https://leannecole.com.au/monochrome-madness-4-travel/

28 thoughts on “Monochrome Madness #4: Travel”

  1. I often convert color images to black and white, including ones I take in film. First, the way they look can be really good – or really bad! But, the second part, it helps sharpen my eyes to contrast and value, which I also do with paintings. It is something that I think is learned – understanding value especially – by changing color to black and white. Great shot, too – love the older buildings as they have so much character. 

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. I’m going to take a contrarian view. I had a film and camera instructor who was obsessed with B&W photography. Every assignment was in black and white — usually of the most mundane things like stop signs and cracks in the sidewalk.

    It drove us nuts. The professor had sort of a dark and foreboding personality which was reflected in his photographic style.

    I’ve noticed across WordPress a renewed fascination with monochrome and infrared images. Removing color often strips an image of its very essence — if that makes sense. It’s like making chocolate chip cookie dough without the chocolate chips! Imagine a drab and dreary world without color.

    There are examples where B&W works — like pictures of old buildings or classic film noir from the 1940’s. If it weren’t for the modern vehicles, this image would definitely evoke memories or thoughts of a different time and place. I could imagine the people who lived or worked in that old, brick building — what were their hopes and dreams and daily challenges?

    An image should tell a story. This one does, well, minus the vehicles. There is editing software that will remove the cars. It would be a fun, creative challenge to see the end result.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I can agree with a lot of what you say David. I’m very careful with which images I process into black and white. In fact, this was originally in color, and it would be hard for me to choose which I like better. Each give off a different mood. I also think monochrome requires more from the photographer given the absence of color. But, I think it’s just as valuable in a modern image. It just depends on the photographer. Thanks for taking the time to chime in. I appreciate it!

      Like

      Reply

      1. The photo, as is, does work as an example of compare and contrast imagery. My first thought was to imagine Model T’s parked in front of the building. The presence of modern cars effectively creates a visual juxtaposition between the old and the new. Or they can be a distraction depending on one’s perspective.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

    2. I think what you say is valid – if they had color in those days, they would use it. I love autochromes. In today’s age color is so readily available, that appreciation of black and white is something, too. Back in the day before realistic and accurate photography, prized painters tried for replicating reality. The Impressionists changed that game as did the increasing availability of realism in the form of a photograph. Color is always something that gives us a taste or sense of a time, but black and white pushes us to a different way of seeing. 

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  11. It is interesting with buildings like this, if you took the cars away you might think the photo was taken a long time ago. I think it is a great image to convert Anne and thank you for joining in again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks Leanne! Portland is an old city. Maybe once a month they should park old cars from the 1940s on a couple of streets and let photographers have fun! I chose it because it had great contrast and lines.

      Like

      Reply

  12. I think this B&W conversion works well and has an old time air despite the modern cars. That said, I’m just as happy to see good monochrome edits of modern architecture so I disagree with David P above when he says that removing colour often strips an image of its very essence. Given the right image (composition, subject matter), removing colour can actually bring out its essence as it puts the emphasis on shape, texture and mood.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to Terri Webster Schrandt Cancel reply