In this (likely) final edition of British photos, I focus on some black and white shots that were taken in the cities of London and Windsor. Like many people, I have always loved black and white photos. Their simplicity is appealing to the eye...darks seem darker, and basic shapes can become complex entities. For example, the granite amphitheater (below), as a color photograph, might appear too boring, but in a monochrome, the simple black shadows allow the structure to take on a more organic shape which draws the viewer's eye around the curve and places it finally on the two girls who are hanging out on the stage.
Amphitheater, London
Other times, black and white can serve as the perfect medium for portraits. There is no color to get in the way of the emotion that the photographer might be trying to convey. Portraits done in this manner serve as a nice throwback to photography's early days where color was not an option. Here, Liz enjoys some street side fish and chips in Windsor.
Birds in St James's Park, London. In this image, the stark whiteness of the two parallel-walking birds cut a nice outline against the darker grass background.
11mm wide-angle shot of Liz on the apogee of St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
Here, a royal guard paces while standing guard at Windsor Palace. I love how the black and white photo lets the eye to be drawn along the pathway that the guard has walked, allowing the viewer to notice the way that the wet pavement has been dried by his repetitious steps. This might not be as visible if the photograph were in color. Additionally, being that it was winter, the guard's overcoat was gray (as opposed to the classic red tunic of the summer uniform) and a color version of this image might not have been as appealing because the castle walls are also made of light gray stone. Perfect placement of his outstretched white-gloved hand against the darkest shadow in the frame also makes for a wonderfully crisp addition.
Liz beneath the London Eye.
Poseidon on a dock, London.
In this (likely) final edition of British photos, I focus on some black and white shots that were taken in the cities of London and Windsor. Like many people, I have always loved black and white photos. Their simplicity is appealing to the eye...darks seem darker, and basic shapes can become complex entities. For example, the granite amphitheater (below), as a color photograph, might appear too boring, but in a monochrome, the simple black shadows allow the structure to take on a more organic shape which draws the viewer's eye around the curve and places it finally on the two girls who are hanging out on the stage. 
Amphitheater, London
Other times, black and white can serve as the perfect medium for portraits. There is no color to get in the way of the emotion that the photographer might be trying to convey. Portraits done in this manner serve as a nice throwback to photography's early days where color was not an option. Here, Liz enjoys some street side fish and chips in Windsor. 
Birds in St James's Park, London. In this image, the stark whiteness of the two parallel-walking birds cut a nice outline against the darker grass background. 
11mm wide-angle shot of Liz on the apogee of St. Paul's Cathedral, London. 
Here, a royal guard paces while standing guard at Windsor Palace. I love how the black and white photo lets the eye to be drawn along the pathway that the guard has walked, allowing the viewer to notice the way that the wet pavement has been dried by his repetitious steps. This might not be as visible if the photograph were in color. Additionally, being that it was winter, the guard's overcoat was gray (as opposed to the classic red tunic of the summer uniform) and a color version of this image might not have been as appealing because the castle walls are also made of light gray stone. Perfect placement of his outstretched white-gloved hand against the darkest shadow in the frame also makes for a wonderfully crisp addition. 
Liz beneath the London Eye. 
Poseidon on a dock, London.
These are awesome. I love the royal guard one! The explanations are helpful too; I'm feel like I'm getting a mini photo tutorial.
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