Black and White Photo Challenge

Black and White weekly photo challenge : Windows (and doors)

Spotted in the entrance to The Station, Richmond

An interesting view of windows and doors in The Station, Richmond.

You could be forgiven for thinking that I’m still participating in Sonel’s Abstract black and white photo challenge with the above shot, but you would be wrong. One of many things I have gained from the challenges is the desire to look at things a little differently, and to experiment now and then. No-one encourages this more than Sonel, and she very much enjoys to “play” with her photography and create wonderful effects.

Sonel gave us permission to post this week, although the challenge is sadly concluding. You probably know I’m partial to windows (and doors) so I’m happy to contribute one last time.

A whimsical window in Durham

Trompe l’oeuil windows in a favourite Durham restaurant

It was our 24th wedding anniversary yesterday and, in addition to receiving 24 red roses, I was taken to a favourite Italian restaurant in Durham, “La Spaghettata”. The trompe l’oeuil panels always capture my attention, and I thought you might like them in black and white.

Colour will always be my first love, but I have enjoyed my flirtation with black and white. I hope you have too.

Sonel, I don’t care whether you show me your delightful Vervet monkeys in black and white or in gentle colour. All that matters is that you continue to share your enormous talents with us, as, and when, you can. On behalf of all of us who have taken part in your Black and White photo challenge, thank you.

Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

Normally when I’m out and about the camera has a mind of its own, and I follow along behind it taking the shots. Not so with this challenge. I took a couple of photos in the Algarve that I thought might “do”, but I was still looking for the right subject when I got back to England.

It had me crawling about on the conservatory floor, and rummaging in the bin, but don’t worry- I’ll spare you most of it. This was the final selection.

I rather liked this Algarve shot, but it was better in colour.

The tinfoil was interesting, but not vastly different in colour or B & W.

This flowerhead in the rain was my standout favourite.

But even then I prefer it in colour, when it’s quite radiant. I’ll show you it someday (I dare not incur the wrath of Sonel. I’d hate to be banned!) But what I did enjoy was the process, and trying to look at things “abstractly”.

For a much more professional introduction to the theme, visit Sonel’s Corner. It’s always a delightful place to be, and she’s not really strict. I’m only teasing! You might even want to try your hand, but you need to hurry. There’s a new theme due out soon. I believe it’s Upward.

Black and White weekly photo challenge : Bridges

A romantic view of Durham

Durham is a city of many bridges. The River Wear threads its way backwards and forwards between the historic houses, and it’s quite hard NOT to take a photo of a bridge or two.

Here we have two bridges for the price of one. Agree?

County Durham is known as the Land of the Prince Bishops and gets a small mention in the Wikipedia link. The “Prince Bishop” river cruiser has been tootling up and down a short stretch of this river for as long as I can remember.

Under the road bridge, looking back at the Cathedral.

Under the road bridge, looking back at “Prince Bishop” and the Cathedral.

I rarely visit Durham without strolling along the riverside path. The bustle of the Market Square and always busy Cathedral seem a world away.

This is the classic view, seen on numerous postcards.

The river has paths on both banks for some of its passage through the city, so you can meander like the river, and choose which bridge you want to cross.

Milburngate Bridge with castle and cathedral above.

Some years the weir is filled to the brim. Sadly, this year, erosion has affected the riverbanks in a few places. Part of our constant battle with nature.

There are always rowing boats tethered by Framwellgate Bridge.

Durham has a famous university, and for much of the year students can be seen sculling rapidly along the water’s surface. In June the regatta gives them the chance to show off their skills, and it’s a fun day out.

I’m normally very much a Summer person, but there is one event that takes place in Durham every second November that I hate to miss. During “Lumiere” many of the bridges are spectacularly lit. You can see this in full colour in my recent post Water under the bridge, but for this challenge I have to stick with black and white.

Trying to find the best vantage point to take the shot.

How about this one?

So that’s my take on Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge this week. I hope you enjoyed wandering the riverbanks of Durham with me. Let’s do it in colour another time, shall we?

I’m off to check out the other entries to the challenge. Sonel has given us quite a wide brief. The main stipulation is that we work with black and white only- no shades, which means my sepia friend is not allowed. The button below will take you to the home page of the challenge.

Black and white photo challenge : Neighbourhood

Hartlepool marina

I didn’t really expect to take part in Sonel’s Black and White photo challenge again this week. Then I saw the subject matter and just couldn’t resist having a little play around.

I have an awful lot of shots of my neighbourhood, so the real challenge was in finding out which ones might best convert to black and white. I find I have a preference for sepia. How about you?

I love the hunched shadow at the rails on this photo.

The sky on this particular day was practically black already!

How wild and angry does this look? The houses are huddled against it!

I can watch the sea leaping the pier all day

I can watch the sea trying to leap the pier all day.

But this is undoubtedly one of my favourite shots from Hartleppol Headland.

But this is undoubtedly one of my favourite shots from Hartlepool Headland.

Thanks again, Sonel, for getting me to look at my world a little differently. I rather like what I see. This challenge business is a little addictive, isn’t it? I’ve seen some wonderful entries already. Come with me to Sonel’s Corner and take a look. How about these for a start?

http://geriatrixfotogallerie.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/black-and-white-weekly-photo-challengeneighbourhood/

http://travelwithintent.com/2013/06/26/el-born-barcelona/

http://marantophotography.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/a-beautiful-spot-in-the-neighborhood/

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/black-white-photo-challenge-neighbourhood/

http://weliveinaflat.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/abandoned-but-for-the-sun-and-moon-above/

http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2013/06/25/black-and-white-weekly-photo-challenge-neighbourhood/

Six word Saturday

Time to try a new challenge?

This one’s for Sonel

She tells me that she likes horses.

I love writing my little photo stories and the emphasis is always on the story. Along the way I’ve met some superb photographers, and sometimes been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the person behind the camera. I’m dedicating this post to Sonel, who this week started the Black and White Photo Challenge. The subject for the first entry is Nature.

So, it’s time for a little gentle experimentation. I am astounded by the facility with which even someone as inept as me can change the appearance of a photograph. Whether that results in a good photo or a bad photo, I’m really not equipped to say. I only know what I like. Mostly that means a world of colour, from palest pastels to vibrant reds. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate black and white and all those interesting sepia shades.

I love the drama of my north eastern coastline

Cliffs like these are common enough in Yorkshire

Cliffs like these are commonplace in Yorkshire

But flowers? To me it seems a little cruel to divest them of their colour.

What about my delicate hellebores? I think they need their jewel colours.

And how can this black and white version be called a sunflower?

I know it’s chiefly my lack of skill, but I think I will be using black and white sparingly. I’m more than happy to leave it to the experts. Sonel’s images are amazing. She’s even designed a wonderfully dramatic rose logo to accompany the post. So, what are you waiting for? Go there right now and admire, and then join in. If I can do it, you surely can.

Oops! Nearly forgot to thank Cate at Show My Face for letting me participate in Six word Saturday.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Black and White Photo Challenge

Black and White weekly photo challenge : Windows (and doors)

Black and White photo challenge : Abstract

Black and White weekly photo challenge : Bridges

Black and white photo challenge : Neighbourhood

Six word Saturday

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