I've always enjoyed making black and white photographs. There's something in the light and shadows that makes them more real and timeless. Color certainly has it's place, but can also be distracting. There is a quote credited to Kim Hunter that describes my feelings about black and white photography as well as I ever could. She said, "...emotions come through much stronger in black and white. Color is distracting in a way, it pleases the eye but it doesn't necessarily reach the heart."
The following pictures were taken on my recent trip to Northern California. I have many in color, but these are the ones I saw as black and white. It's the only way they would work, in my opinion.
So take a look. Consider my comments. Do you agree? Do you see what I see? What do you feel? Most importantly - what is your own personal interpretation of each? What story do they tell you? I do hope you'll feel something. It could be anything. That's the fun of it. And that's what art is really all about.
(click on photos to enlarge and open in a separate view)
Montaro Beach, late afternoon on Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. I took several color photos of this area, but only this one has the lone figure in the lower center left. Shows how insignificant we are compared to the majesty of nature.
Person sleeping in the plaza near Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. I won't describe him as "homeless" because I don't know that for sure. Maybe there were other reasons he was there.
Two people huddled together sleeping on the street in the middle of the day. Quality gear, nice boots and sneakers. I am puzzled by this scene.
Riding a cable car through the streets of San Francisco at dusk. Urban scenes always look more real and raw in black and white. To me, anyway. In color you could easily miss the details in the architecture, and not notice the illuminations dimmed by the natural soft light of early evening.
A good example of how shadows and natural lighting can add an unexpected element. Enhanced by another lone figure sitting at the bus stop.
A study in perspective. And, doesn't the water actually look cold? Can you feel it?
Another one taken late afternoon as the fog was rolling in. Bodega Bay.
This is actually a record store in the Haight-Ashbury area. A little rundown with a storefront that needs a refresh. My eye was first drawn to the sign referencing Stanyan Street, familiar to me because of a poem by Rod McKuen.
This one makes me sad. She is rather well dressed and was obviously able to pay for a large meal at this fast food restaurant. I tried to make sure she wasn't in serious trouble. She raised her head, brushed me off and once again slumped face down into the plate. It was 8 a.m. I didn't take any more photos that day. And that's where I'll end this photo essay. Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoyed the show. Be sure to tune in again soon for our next episode.
Roger O'Dea 11/25/2017
