This is the second instalment of my experiment to photograph autumn with black and white film. As mentioned in the previous post I really struggle to “see’ a scene in all its monochromatic glory and so have found this challenge ……a challenge!
The picture above is probably a typical autumn scene. A little mist, the ground decked with various coloured leaves which the trees have now lost.
I was drawn to this possible image by the dark decaying seed pods and light background. This is probably one of the few times I can honestly say I did “see” this as black and white.
The light really makes this image. Back lighting this flower and removing colour has actually emphasised its texture and shape. Sorry can’t remember its name. ( I have been informed it is a alstroemeria)
Both the image above and below are similar in that the browns of the Hydrangea and that of the grass heads just seem to have so much more texture when using black and white film.
I really wasn’t sure how this autumn sunset would be rendered. The different colours are reduced to the different shades of white and grey making for a striking image.
This project has been so helpful. As I was hoping, I’m slowly beginning to understand how colours are rendered in a monochrome world. Seeing a scene as a collection of patterns, textures and shapes has been inspirational and given me ideas for other projects.
I am coming to the end of my batch of Kentmere 400 film and have already committed to 100 ft of Ilford HP5 + to use over the next few months. So this has been a good start to my journey into the world of black and white.
arhphotographic 