I've been going through my image files lately in an effort to get them better organized. It made me realize where my primary interest in photography actually lies. I like landscapes and people. But, it has become obvious that my main interest is in scenes that are...well...'odd' might be the best word to describe them. Merriam-Webster describes odd as : differing markedly from the usual, ordinary, or accepted : Peculiar : So, yeah, I guess that's about right.
There are several reasons. I'll try to list them, in no particular order.
One reason so many of my photos are a little odd is because I'm drawn to colors that are overly saturated or completely on the other end of the spectrum - significantly muted. Or just slightly off. I'm not nearly as engaged in colors that are a true and accurate representation of the subject. I don't see things that way in my photography. Or often in real life either. Also, sometimes I go for the extremes. A sky that is too blue for example -
Or a picture taken recently but has a look like it could've been taken 50 or 60 years ago. This happens frequently when I shoot film. Probably because I often intentionally use expired film.
Other examples of color pictures that I include in my collection of curiosities are this one -
I like it because it's out of balance. And there's a look to it that I would describe as postmodern. Or retro maybe. I'm not sure. But I like it.
And this one -
That chair does not belong there. It doesn't match the surroundings. Or it does. Everyone will see it differently. It stimulates the imagination of people who have an imagination. I'm not concerned with those who don't.
People and portraits can work in color or black and white. It depends on the subject. This next one had to be in color, and off center with a lot of negative space. Wouldn't have near the impact otherwise.
Here are two examples that I believe are more effective in black and white. In fact, I wouldn't have even considered processing these in color. (The first one is digital. The one below it is film. The correct formats for both in my opinion) -
I love black and white photography in any format. Black and white photos are timeless. They are about light and shadows. Colors can be distracting. You see more in black and white. A favorite quote of mine (I wish I could remember who said it) is, "black and white photography is more like reading the book than seeing the movie."
Here are a few more of my curiosities -
The Portal
Man On The Street
Freak Show
Old School
Dead of Winter
Toy House
Basic Accommodations
Hi Point
Night and the City
Subterranean
White Lines
Notice a trend? That's right - black and white. The movie was good. But the book is better.
Roger O'Dea 6/26/2021
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