In the absence of a theme for Monochrome Madness, I experimented with one image in three versions, focusing on varying lighting and contrast to bring out different moods and emotions in the monochrome portrayal. The main subject of the monochrome portrait is a young girl who appears immersed in deep contemplation, portrayed in a serene natural setting as she thoughtfully gazes downward, which beautifully highlights her profound connection with the environment around her.
Moody monochrome portrait capturing a moment of contemplation in a natural setting.
This reflective posture suggests an internal narrative, inviting viewers to interpret her thoughts and feelings, yet it does raise questions about what is truly occurring in the moment. What the photograph suggests may evoke feelings of curiosity and tranquility, but it is a juxtaposition to the reality that, in truth, she was looking at her phone, texting friends, I assume, as many young people often do in their daily lives.
A contemplative moment captured in monochrome, featuring a young girl deeply engaged in her surroundings.
This detail presents an interesting contrast between the serene aesthetic of the image and the typical distractions of modern life. I took this photograph last summer, that is obvious by her clothing, which indicates warmth and leisure, making it clear that it is not a recent one. The sunlight filtering through the leaves further adds to the nostalgic quality of the piece, linking the past moments of carefree summer to the present.
A young girl thoughtfully gazing down, surrounded by nature.
A thoughtful black-and-white portrait of a man shows a ton of emotion and introspection. You can really see the lines on his face and feel the heaviness of his thoughts. The play of shadows and light highlights his furrowed brow and slight frown, hinting at some personal struggles and deep reflections. Every little detail makes you think about the quiet stories behind his gaze, sparking a sense of empathy and a better understanding of what it means to be human.
How to describe this portrait I took was a bit tricky, but this is what I came up with, does it resonate with you?
A contemplative black and white portrait of a man, reflecting deep emotion and introspection.
Starting with November with a couple sharing a romantic moment, the bride dressed in an intricate floral wedding dress and the groom gently embracing her, slightly overshadowed by her presence. This tender image captures the essence of love and intimacy.
Square #1
A romantic moment between a couple, the bride in a detailed wedding dress with floral designs and a groom embracing her slightly shadowed by her.
We don’t celebrate Halloween as a couple, so this year there won’t be any costume parties filled with questionable treats and awkward dance-offs for us. Nevertheless, given its significance for many, I’ve decided to create some festive visuals from my own photos to capture the spooky vibe. Photography isn’t my favorite way to embody the essence of Halloween—it’s just not that important to me, and I don’t actively seek it out. It’s amusing to see how various cultures celebrate the holiday, and even though we won’t be carving pumpkins or bobbing for apples, I take great delight in showcasing my unique perspective on this magical season through my edits. Watch out, world—I’ll be debuting my frightfully well-done 😂 AI selfies!
Spooky skull decoration wrapped in a colorful scarf, perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit.
A chilling clown makeup design featuring a wide, sinister grin and blood accents, perfect for Halloween vibes.
A cheerful me dressed in clown makeup, celebrating the spirit of Halloween.
All my grandsons visiting at the same time :-D. The three older ones stayed with us for five vibrant days as they were here for their Autumn break from school, filling our home with laughter and screams. These days were loud and busy, many shared meals. The little one, full of energy and excitement, came to see his cousins :-D.
A young woman poses on a park bench with big smile
For Judes Bench Challenge with a the tacky poem attached to it.
A woman on a metal bench of green, In a black dress, her beauty serene. A green jacket wraps her in gentle embrace, With long hair flowing, she lights up the space. White sneakers on her feet, so bright, She smiles at the camera, a pure delight.
Sunday morning I went to have coffee in the city and by the sea and what did I see, a lady in red. Just a girl, but lady in red sounded so much better ♥️😀
This little guy was enjoying the patio swing and a sleepover with us. A day with a baby and I am so tired now, it will take days to recover 😂 as I hardly slept because I was anticipating if he would wake up.
The first one is taken with my new Sony A7 Mark III, I bought it to replace my old one that I had used for the last 19 years. I have been taking lots of photos of my grandkids with it lately.
Close-up of my smiling grandson with his bright blue eyes. He is a sweetheart
My IPhone I used to take a shot of one of the white roses I received from my friend as she came to visit.
Close-up of a delicate white rose, symbolizing friendship and appreciation.
This week, you have the opportunity to capture the essence and personality of your subjects. Whether you choose to ask a stranger, do a self-portrait, take the portrait of a friend, family member, or acquaintance, or photograph animals and birds, the goal is to connect with another person or subject and tell their story through your image.
I thought I would start with a black and white image—a self-portrait to get things started. I was on vacation, and for some reason, I received a few comments on how I gave a positive and happy vibe. Such a nice compliment; I hope it comes across in this image.
I know I am asking a lot; many shy away from portraits, but we all take photos of people, so why not take a moment to think about how to get more out of them? Just a little consideration on how to show your subject in a more favorable light. I encourage you to join; I’m not looking for professional results, but I hope you have fun trying to get the portrait to tell a story. Hopefully, you will take a new photo or use an old one, maybe edit with some of the tips I have gathered here.
I had a bunch of detailed info on getting a great portrait, like cool tips on lighting, composition, and how important it is for your subject to express themselves, but in the end, I decided to keep it simple and just summarize everything since it got way too long and messy. I thought it’d be better to give some quick, easy-to-follow insights without drowning you in too much info, so you can really pick up the main points of portrait photography without any hassle.
portrait photography
When it comes to portrait photography, one of the most crucial elements is focusing on the eyes. They truly serve as the focal point in any portrait, so it’s important to ensure they are sharp and expressive. Capturing a clear and vibrant eye can create a powerful connection between the viewer and the subject. I have issues with this one – but practice makes it better.
Natural light is another aspect that can significantly enhance your portraits. Shooting during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can give your images a warm and soft quality. This type of lighting not only reduces harsh shadows but also ensures your subject’s features are beautifully highlighted. I use this always natural light is the best.
The difference color makes compared to a black and white image
Emotions are at the heart of great portraits. Rather than just photographing faces, try to capture genuine emotions that tell a story. Encourage your subjects to relax and be themselves so you can capture those candid moments that truly reflect their personality. Now this is a tricky one, but spending time and chatting at the same time helps.
It’s also essential to be mindful of the background in your portraits. A cluttered or distracting background can steal focus from your subject. By using a wide aperture, you can blur the background, allowing your subject to stand out more prominently. Choose backgrounds that complement your subject without overwhelming the composition. This is when taking photos in a controlled setting, but even in spontaneous shot you can if you are into editing change the background .
Directing your subject is key to achieving the desired expressions or poses. Give them clear directions and encourage them to experiment with different looks. The more comfortable they feel, the more authentic and confident their poses will appear. Many times you get the best shots just by observing with patience and catching the moment.
Lastly, consider the power of black and white photography. This style adds a timeless and dramatic feel to your images, emphasizing shapes, contrasts, and textures while removing the distraction of color. Black and white can beautifully accentuate the emotions and moods in your portraits, making them even more impactful. I just love this style, I use it a lot. Even a not so good image can be saved as a black and white conversion.
What’s a side portrait all about?
People make excellent photography subjects due to their diverse expressions and postures. Side portraits, taken from a profile view, showcase facial features and convey strength, adding an element of mystery. To capture compelling side portraits, it’s important to find the subject’s “good side,” choose a relevant theme, and use supportive backgrounds. Techniques include directing gaze, subtle facial expressions, and dynamic body language, while camera angles and lighting play a crucial role in enhancing visual impact.
This photographic style invites viewers into the subject’s thoughts, utilizing the rule of thirds for depth. Side portraits create a sense of movement and drama, revealing flattering profiles and allowing for various poses, thus heightening the appeal of mystery in the images.
Last week, the topic was Life’s changes; the question was: What has enriched and/or changed yours? Thanks Anne for this meaningful challenge.
Next week, Tina returns to host with a new inspiration. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA.
Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and linking it to original post. Please see this pageto learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history
I have played this game with time more than amount of things, I had hoped to be more active, but time is the problem. This is to say, thanks for hosting 🥰
I have often expressed that I have a hard time naming photos or artworks. Today, I spent hours playing with some of my images that I posted on my other site ART BY RITVA. It feels like I spent the same amount of time naming it. I had options like Menopause and Hot Flash, but I ended up with “Magnified Elegance”. This is the final version at this time.
Naming means an extra layer of meaning and context to the piece. The title can give the viewer insight into the intention or create a different emotional response. All in all, naming artworks is an art in itself and can be just as fulfilling as creating the piece, but it is not for me, it is a pain in the butt.
If interested, check the post and see my other color versions of it. It’s truly a delightful process to work color schemers of my artworks that is what I really enjoy.
As stated summer is a state of mind and age is just a number.
Usually we are somewhere in warmer weather at this time of the year, away from the cold and dark winter, we usually fly to catch some sun, D- vitamins and new places to be refreshed and relaxed. And when we come you can already notice the increased light that is more visible in February.
Well you need the catch the rays where every you can. 😂
Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. I also did this, and in the end decided to enter my other take as an entry to Lens-Artists Challenge, but since I had already done this I decided to post it separately
I selected this quote to convey positivity. We all need a little bit of that in our lives. I added few more smiles than requested, but it is a smile ☺ of joy.
“Laughter and smiles are essential factors in a joyous life” ~Maya Angelou
Happy faces and lovely smiles are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day, illuminating the world with their warmth and brightness. The simple act of smiling has the power to uplift spirits, spread joy, and create a ripple of positivity. When we encounter a genuine smile, it’s as if a little piece of happiness has been shared with us, making the day feel a little brighter and the heart a little lighter.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 