Black & White, Artistic Touches, and Pinhole Cameras
A Magazine for Those Who Love Black & White
I love black & white photography. So I put in for a subscription to a black & white photography magazine called B&W. As it stated right on the magazine (and on the website), it's a “Black & White Magazine for Collectors of Fine Photography.” You don't necessarily have to be a collector to enjoy this magazine. I just got my first issue in the mail yesterday, and it's amazing. It's a bit more expensive than a typical magazine, but it's 145 pages (nice pages might I add) of mostly photos and write-ups from various pro photographers. The magazine is timeless (you'll want to hang on to these puppies) and it won't be outdated by changing technologies — in fact, most of the photos are quite old. If you like black & white, you'll love B&W.
How to Give Your Photos That Artistic Touch
Picture Correct has a good article on “Artistic Considerations for Better Photos.” You know how there are some photographers who just know how to make a shot work? Well, this article won't make you one of those overnight, but you'll be on your way with a little practice. The tips include things like using simple shapes, finding the right moments, shooting at those golden hours, and basic composition strategies. Pay attention to these things and you're photos will show it.
Pinhole Cameras From Everyday Objects
If you really want to go crazy with some low-tech goodies, check out the how-to at Instructables called “Juice Box Pinhole Camera.” I know there's a large following of pinhole camera folks and toy camera folks out there, but this takes it to a whole different level. It appears as though it can be done, but if you try it don't be too disappointed at the quality of the results — you're not making a Hasselblad for Pete's sake! But quality is subjective and you might find that this is just the artistic release you needed. What will they think of next?
Photo of the Day…
Photo by Brian Auer
10/28/06 Flemington, NJ
Three Canadian Geese swimming in a pond near sunset
Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D
Konica Minolta AF DT 18-200
300mm equiv * f/8.0 * 1/200s * ISO100
inspirationbit
February 19, 2007Thanks for adding the details about your photos. Do you shoot in B&W or turn them to b&w in Photoshop afterwards?
Brian Auer
February 19, 2007My camera won’t shoot in b&w — but even if it did, I wouldn’t. I shoot in RAW+JPEG mode, then I use Photoshop to convert to b&w. This allows so much more control over the image since there are about a dozen good ways to convert to b&w — each of them with different uses and outcomes. Maybe I’ll do a roundup of all the popular methods one of these days…
inspirationbit
February 19, 2007The roundup would be great. That’s what I am usually doing – converting some of my photos to Grayscale in Photoshop. But curious to find out about other 11 ways 🙂