...Thanks for sharing and for working in B&W to place your picture in more stress as we are not seduced by superficiality of color. I know this may go against a lot of sensibilities because color is wonderful in itself. However, I'm glad, here at least, to see the woman unadorned with the lipstick of color so we can pay more attention to form...
Hi Asher,
By now, I am aware of this mantra of yours and I definitely agree that form is one of the most important factors in the picture. However, like some other OPF members, I think that color should not be sacrified under all conditions.
Cem,
My ideas on color are based on much thought of others and then on what I have found works for me. This is my current general overview of color. First accuracy is an academic delusion since color is contextually interpreted. Further, color is often not needed and even distracts from what is better in the picture. so here goes with my very approximate guide. There are however no laws in this!
B&W is far more challenging: since there is an illustrious body of work against which B&W is considered. Color is wonderful. I use it for most of my photography. However, working with B&W is for spacial projects where form, line, texture, shadow and dimensionality build a sense of presence and character hardly ever achieved when color distracts.
Where color does not do so well: Garishness and superficiality is most obvious with synthetic hues not found in nature. They more easily become garish caricatures of the marketing esthetics of the post industrial and modern world. Nevertheless, when, color is just that, and for just titillation and the "Wow!" factor, then it has its place.
Where color excels:
a) When color is of a flower or an aspen stand or gazelle, that is a perfect celebration of nature. That, IMHO and b) surrealistic or c) abstracts is where color best belongs, at least to my consideration.
If you think about these distinctions for use of color, then you might agree.
and yes, you are correct, the lady might well have looked great in color too. I'm just appreciating the B&W form which for character and mood seems fitting.
Asher
I can imagine this one being a very nice portrait in color, showing the golden rays of the sun painting the lovely face of the model.
@Cedic: I love the concept but I think you might explore it a bit further. Composition can be improved as Asher pointed out. Also, pay attention to not overblowing the highlights on the face.
Just my Euro 0.02 -)[/QUOTE]
