Fill in the blanks.

 

“Yeah, A pictures worth a thousand words

But you can’t; see what those shades of gray keep covered

You should've seen it in color.”

Photography really plays with your brain. Part of it is, how does a camera work and capture an image? The other, when shooting in black and white, how do you fill in the colors that make it look real? Unless you are unable to see color, your brain has to go into overdrive to fill it in the blanks.

I have always enjoyed black and white photography. Many years ago, before I started taking photos the way I do today, I remember going into a dark room and watching the change…from a blank sheet to a miracle. (Okay, I think it’s a miracle, sue me.) The subject? Plants and greenery—-probably two of the most photographed subjects done in color…but it did look cool in black and white. 

If you have ever really looked at very old photographs, it is very interesting to see how little has changed. In some instances you will find the clarity and quality is on par with some of the photos produced through today’s digital options. Sure, there is going to be a difference, but when you think of how old some of these photos are—-you will quickly understand.  

Look at photographers such as Alfred Eisenstaedt, Dorthea Lange, Vivian Maier, and my personal favorite, Neil Leifer—they photographed mostly on film and today, their photos are treasured. When you consider how we now take billions of photos, and theirs are at the top of the photographic pile, it says a lot about how great they were. Oh, yeah, except for Neil Leifer, the majority of their photographs were taken in black and white.

Everyone who has a smart phone, camera, or brownie camera, can take a photograph. It has become so much a part of our society that it is ubiquitous—-ask any teenager on social media and they will tell you. I remember when I first heard the word, “Selfie” I thought they were kidding—they weren’t.

The photo above was taken at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” it may appear to be methodical, but as I watched the day it was taken, I could see the pride on the soldier’s face and it made me proud to be an American. Yes, the picture is in black and white, “You should've seen it in color.”

Thanks for stopping by.