Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Black and White Wednesday



I still consider myself a beginner in this new hobby of photography. It's been just over a year since I purchased my first DSLR camera. I think I have worked pretty hard at it even though I work full-time and then try to spend most of my remaining hours in quality time with my family. I have edited a few shots in black and white, but it is rare for me. These past couple of weeks, I have made a greater effort to work with images in black and white.

Pearl on the Mission Steps
This first shot is of Pearl from this past weekend. I sized the original a little too large for this web page, so if you want to view it larger, click on it and then click on "all sizes" after you are linked to my flickr stream.

We traveled to San Luis Obispo to a mini-college reunion of architectural engineering graduates from Cal Poly. Both Pete and I were ARCE majors and we met in college, 25 years ago. In three days, we will celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary.

After the reunion, we explored the town to see how much it has changed over the years. We usually come by here every year or two since we only live a couple hours away. The changes in this town are amazing. This picture of Pearl was taken on the steps of the mission (one of the original California missions). It is one of the few buildings in downtown SLO that hasn't changed, and I hope it stays that way.

"A" Family in Black and White

Hopefully, in a day or two, I will get the rest of the pictures up from last weekend. My second black and white shot was taken almost two weeks ago in the yard of my old house. It closed escrow last week. The mother in this young family is a dear friend and former employee who has helped us so many times over the years. It was my pleasure to practice on her and her family as I try to expand my photography skills. I liked this shot because it felt so natural and so tender between them. The son is sitting on a stone pillar and has his hand on his Dad's hand, which is resting on his leg. You can see his Dad's wedding ring. The parents are obviously engaged in the activity of their sweet baby girl. I think it tells more of their story than the posed shots where everyone is looking at the camera, although we took plenty of those shots too.

For some reason, I couldn't make the button above link you to Lisa's wonderful site, so if you would like to see more black and white images, go here.

10 comments:

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Love love love your images! Thanks for the LR tip. I sometimes get hung up on presets, I don't just use what is there. :) Thanks and your are a super photographer by the way!!!
Blessings!

Wanda said...

How great that you're branching out. Black and whites are so much fun - it's a whole new world, isn't it?

Happy to hear things have settled on your homefront. You had way too many balls in the air. Glad some of them landed.

Teresa said...

These are beautiful BW conversions. The one of Pearl looks very timeless, it's very lovely! I have been drawn to BW lately too..great work!

Unknown said...

You definitely have some natural talent and an eye for composition. Great job with these. Visiting through B&W Wed! Your girls are beauties :)

cwitgo said...

I love black and white shots. You've done well with yours. Love them!

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

Great B&Ws!! SLO is my old stomping grounds, have not been there in years!! So beautiful there!!

Dana Yi Photography said...

Only one year?? Wow that is amazing. You are very good. The first image is so beautiful

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

oh stop, youhave only had your camera for 1 year, ahhhh me to and you take the greatest pictures. I have got to learn more editing and more about lighting.

Donna said...

That is a fantastic photo of your friend and her family. And, of course, Pearl is lovely. I love her coat! This one has a vintage feel. Beautiful!

Donna
Our Blog: Double Happiness!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I LOVE the picture of Pearl in the coat.....GORGEOUS!!!

I had no idea that your home was purchased by a friend....how very cool!! I am glad everyting worked out.

I saw a few of the family photos you had posted on FB.....you did a fabulous job with them Lori.....beautiful!!


Enjoy your long weekend~

Lisa