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October 28, 2004
The world in black and white
chi·a·ro·scu·ro: (1) The technique of using light and shade in pictorial representation. (2) The arrangement of light and dark elements in a pictorial work of art.
As the name of the blog suggests, I love black and white photography. But you may have noticed that I haven't posted any black and white so far, and I probably won't post much of it in the near future. The reason is that I haven't gotten the hang of it. I haven't learned to see the world in black and white, and I also haven't mastered the art of converting to black and white in photoshop. (I only shoot digitally). I'm looking for good references on how to do these things, so if you know of any please drop me a note.
But since the blog is named what it is, I feel I should post at least a few tries at chiaroscuro, and I'll try to post new ones as much as I can in the future. These were all taken this summer with a Canon Powershot A70.
A staircase at the Walters. I nearly sprained my neck trying to shoot this.
On road somewhere. I was trying to entertain myself on a long ride.
The D.C. metro. After 9/11, I had heard stories about people getting their cameras confiscated by police while trying to take artsy photos of public transportation. So I took this photo as quickly and quietly as possible. This is probably the longest exposure I've ever hand-held a camera for (1 sec).
All images copyrighted, and unauthorized use prohibited. Please contact me for permission. Posted by claire-obscure at October 28, 2004 1:53 AM
Comments
Funny, I posted a photo of that bridge just last week (I didn't take the photo, but I went over the bridge and then wrote about it) it is actually route 1 in DE. The post is here: http://lostinplace.typepad.com/place/2004/10/dela_where.html
I like your new blog and am looking forward to more of your photos...
Posted by: lostgal at October 28, 2004 7:47 AM
That's funny lostgal. When I saw chiaroscuro's picture of the bridge, I felt like I'd just seen that picture somewhere before but couldn't place it! It's a small world...
As for the picture of the DC metro, I wonder why you needed such a long exposure? That's an honest question, not a criticism! I really haven't figured out when to use long exposures and what they're for, unless it's to handle movement (e.g., you want people walking around to look blurred or even to completely disappear) or if it's really dark and you need the extended time to let in as much light as you can. So what was your reason for the long exposure in your picture?
Posted by: tamara at October 30, 2004 6:21 PM
yup yup, know people who got in trouble with the police for that indeed :-/
still, you managed to take a great shot of the station, I know how dark it is lol
loved the stairs shot also, that oval shape is awsome
~~
Posted by: Sandra Rocha at October 30, 2004 9:45 PM
In response to Tamara's question, it was so dim in this station that a long exposure was pretty much required.
Posted by: chiaroscuro at November 2, 2004 12:03 PM
Not to detract from your colour images ... keep up the B & W - The bridge image is outstanding.
Posted by: Charles Bryant at November 2, 2004 3:34 PM
The bridge shot is just amazing. So urban, so Holga style, so film :-)
Posted by: stef and rollo at November 9, 2004 5:19 AM
What a beautiful shot! The tonal range is terrific, and the eye candy is definitely inspiring.
Posted by: brandon at November 29, 2004 9:02 PM
lovely images. i'm impressed by the composition of your images. you wield the A70 well.
to see my DC metro shot, go here: http://www.penelopesloom.com/archives/2004/07/gallery_pl.php
Posted by: Pei at March 5, 2005 3:00 PM
i love the pic of teh station - where was it taken and who took the picture? Please reply - i am really intrested!!
Posted by: ali at September 25, 2005 10:08 AM
black and white is good but i much prefer colour
Posted by: Richard at September 29, 2005 5:09 AM