Lens-Artists Challenge #335: Exploring Color vs Black & White

This challenge is a cool chance to dive into how using color versus black & white photography can totally change your selected images. Patti from P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures invites us to join on this inspiring journey, as her awesome post gives us some solid tips on tackling the challenge! By exploring the feelings that different color vibes can bring out, you’ll see how certain shades can really capture the energy of a moment, while black & white shots can help showcase textures and contrasts, making your storytelling deeper.

So, the deal is to share pairs of the same image in both color and black & white. She asked us to keep it to just 3 pairs, which was pretty tricky since picking only three that really showed what I was going for was tough. But after thinking it through, I managed to do it! The photos I picked really show off the differences in vibe, texture, and light between the two styles. It’s so cool to see how color brings warmth and life, while black & white gives off this classic feel and a deeper emotional punch. I’m also diving into how the editing choices play into each shot—without color, you really focus on the shapes and forms, while bright colors change the whole energy. So, what do you think? Are you more into the timeless charm of black & white, or do you like the rich colors more?

Finally, use the lens-artists tag and leave a link your post to Patti’s original post.

Reading the news

This man seated on a bench by the road, engrossed in reading a newspaper while surrounded by his books in France captured my attention. He is dressed in striking red and blue hues, and the light blue umbrella beside him, along with the collection of books and garbage bags. The color version certainly stands out more, whereas the black and white rendition conveys a more subdued ambiance—maintaining the focus on the individual reading rather than the surrounding elements. Furthermore, the intended message plays a crucial role—what do I wish to communicate through this image? If the objective is to emphasize the man, the black and white option is preferable; however, if I aim to highlight the environment as well, the color version would be better.

A rowing boat on the shore in Hailuoto

This boat image I chose showcases the clouds that give texture, creating a dynamic backdrop for the scene. The boat itself is minimalistic and weathered, adding a sense of history and character, which contributes to its roughness, ultimately enhancing its appeal, at least in a photograph. The editing process, I have found, is not the same for each variant; it is not a direct transition of color into a Black and White version. They are edited differently for distinct emotional and visual impacts. I think whenever you transition to black and white, you need to look at the image from a new perspective, considering what elements you choose to highlight. The color version conveys more about the time of day and the mood, which is more subdued; while in the black and white version, the boat emerges as the main focal point. Interestingly, for some reason, I made the mood lighter, almost brighter, in that version, contrasting with my usual tendency to render black and white images darker and moodier, utilizing more contrast. I like this version for its unique interpretation, but still, I find myself leaning towards the color variant due to its vibrant storytelling and emotional resonance. Analyzing both versions makes me appreciate the nuances involved in editing, as each choice not only alters the visual presentation but also shifts the narrative context within the photograph.

Alleyway in France

This is a charming alleyway in Nice, France, flanked by tall buildings that are closely positioned and adorned with a variety of vibrant colors. Numerous windows, some ajar, feature shutters, while ornate street lamps are gracefully mounted on the walls, capturing my attention with their charm. A cobblestone pathway extends toward a brighter area in the distance, where a few motorbikes are parked, creating a leading line that draws you in. The buildings exhibit beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and beige, with hints of lush greenery visible on the walls and balconies. The overall atmosphere is lively and inviting, evoking a sense of adventure in this historic city. The narrowness of the alley, combined with the height of the buildings, fosters a feeling of intimacy and warmth, while the bright colors and light at the alley’s end enhance its welcoming nature. All of this truly appeals to me.

Conversely, the black and white color scheme imparts a classic, nostalgic quality that emphasizes the textures and architectural details of the structures, showcasing their timeless beauty. This image is noteworthy as it encapsulates the essence of an old European town, characterized by its narrow streets and rich historical architecture in a remarkable way. Despite the absence of color and the quiet demeanor of the alley, the scene conveys a contemplative mood, fostering feelings of solitude and introspection. I find myself captivated by both the vibrant colors and the elegance of the black and white aesthetic—each offers a distinct allure that enhances the character of this alley. Yeah, black and white … for this one.

Last week we got to enjoy beautiful cuddly cats and dogs and some other wilder animals also. Are you a cat or a dog person these were all a joy to see, thanks Tina for this sweet theme, loved it.

Next week, Ann-Christine returns with her first new challenge for the year. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out another exciting challenge.

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 page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history

PS. I am still on vacation so my participation is very limited at the moment.

How to survive November 2020-7

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Reflections are beautiful, I tried it as B&W and I have to admit, it’s not as bad as I thought it could be, because the different shades of gray and movement that is in the photo.

If you wish to participate in this survival of the darkest month challenge, use this link to add your post to it. PARALLEL LINES

Reflections of reeds

My old photo compare is from San Francisco, last year I think Cityscape turns well in to B&W images

How to survive November 2020-6

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Kivenlahti seaside was grey, as I was taking a walk there searching for gray, which is a topic of a month in a Photography FB group I am in. I saw this boat being left in to the reeds. I thought that might make a great B&W shot. So here it is.

If you wish to participate in this survival of the darkest month challenge, use this link to add your post to it. PARALLEL LINES

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As many of you asked if I was happy with the outcome to the hair salon, well this is the outcome

New Edits #7

Negombo Beach

I have very fond memories of our visit to Negombo in Sri Lanka. This was taken on the beach in front of our hotel. During the day the sand was so hot, but in the evening so nice and warm under your feet.

New Edits #6

Rusty boat

This is was taken in Thailand in Phuket, this a damaged vessel from the tsunami. Rust looks good in photos,not that this vessel is going to sail anymore.

CB&W – made of wood

I adore B&W photos so this week the topic at CB&W is things made of wood. Here is my contribution to this topic.

Paper – made out of wood
Cardboard – made out of wood
Wooden staircase
Handcrafted wooden boat in India
Wooden church walls in the hearth of Helsinki

MM 4-9: Monochrome Madness

Here is my post for  MM 4-9: Monochrome Madness  a detail from a boat and spiderweb

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Night time

Chapora River (173)

I do love boats, sunsets, reflections, colors and I like this photo.It has all those things in it.

Fishing boat

I love the sea, river, lakes. I also love boats- you will see few post of them too as I unsravel my photos from my trip to  India.  Here is one fishing boat getting ready to sail away, as in previous post the sunset gives these photos a nice soft look

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Boat on dry land

This fishing boat on dry land looked photographable to me as the setting sun gave it a nice glow.

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Fishermen

Fishermen in Thailand, returning to the harbour. All photos can be enlarged by a click.

One Word Photo Challenge: Scarlet

Untitled-1 These book covers, red currants, and the boat  are all scarlet. The red currant is for an other post but it suited this so well.

NF Inspiring Photography – Catching light on the water

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NF Inspiring Photography 101 – Catching light

Breakfast time

boat

Blueberrypie

bridge

Breakfast this morning…blueberrypie, coffee and great view. Don’t mind the weather, it is summer,  so outside you go…there are always blankets.

Pieni Lintu

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Sepia Tones

I think Sepia colors works well with old buildings and things – and portraits.

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More tones at: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Sepia Tones

The Weekend in Black and White

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Friday, 22nd November,2013.