Black and White

all photography by Ellen McHale

Black and  White photography can elevate the lowliest of objects to "artwork" status. If you are in the market for some original artwork for your home - why not grab your camera and take a hike? Did you know that you can set your digital camera to "black and white" before you point and shoot.  By starting in a black and white mode, your camera will do all the work for you in terms of settings and light.  If you choose to convert your color photos to black and white via your computer after your photo shoot - you won't always get the quality that you are hoping for.  Take a few moments to get to know what your camera can do for you.  

garden angel

portal to the heavens

Knowing that you are shooting in black and white kind of takes the pressure off of you.  You don't have to worry so much about lighting and color.  You can focus on the object or the shape and line that appeals to your sensibilities.  I think it frees you up in terms of taking a good photograph.  You are free to play.

Kenney Farm Wagon

It is surprising the types of things that look good in black and white.  Rustic, beaten-up objects look divine in monochrome.  Black and white focuses all the attention on form and shape.

crumbly wheel

"s" is for style

rings

When you set out to do a session in black and white you start to see things that your eyes were not open to before.  You begin to look at things from another angle and see art.

tractor seat

tractor seat up close and personal

The tractor seat above would look beautiful blown up and mounted in an oversized matting with black frame.  A collection of "farm" photos would look amazing grouped together on a wall.  Think outside of the box and photograph the suggestion of the item and not the literal translation - this keeps things interesting for you and the viewer.

keeping predators at bay

chain link

a walk in the park

Be open to beauty no matter what form it takes.  A length of chain is just as interesting as the more predictable scenic view of the bridge in the field.  

beans - good for you!

farm stand

don't overlook signs as art

You can pretty much take your black and white photos in almost any kind of lighting. The shadow play is what makes the artwork pop.

tree roots

bench

iron gate

ironwork

All shape is good shape when it comes to creating visually interesting photographs.  Get up close and personal when taking your photo - you will be happy that you did.

a wing and a prayer

bird on pole

a crisp Fall day

Maybe you will be inspired to try your hand at some black and white photography.  Grab your camera and set it for black and white before you leave the house.  Open your eyes to the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us in ordinary things.  Get up close, change your view and snap away.  You will be surprised at how beautiful your photos are.  Blow them up, display them proudly and don't forget to sign the artist's name at the bottom. 

(all photos by Ellen McHale)

see you next week,

Ellen