Welcome to Awakenings

Life IS history in the making. Every word we say, everything we do becomes history the moment it is said or done. Life void of memories leaves nothing but emptiness. For those who might consider history boring, think again: It is who we are, what we do and why we are here. We are certainly individuals in our thoughts and deeds but we all germinated from seeds planted long, long ago.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Timeless B&W Photography

A continuous range of spectral colors engulfs the Earth, sometimes pastel, oftentimes bright and bold, but such is not true for the beginning of photography. Yet, the images captured are nothing short of spectacular - delicate, pure and detailed - and that is simply the black and white (B&W) of it! 

During the 1890s, black and white photographs became commonplace in seed and nursery catalogs shortly after Kodak introduced the first handheld camera in 1888.

Embrace the Past. . .

 
Empower the Present. . . 

B&W is the oldest form of photography that is still in use today. Many photographers prefer a vintage camera in capturing the essence of pure black and white. Then, there are those who convert the color photographs to B&W. Since we live in a highly digital age of photography black and whites can be captured digitally and even accented with a splash of color for enhancement.

Guest Photographer: Marilyn Armstrong @Serendipity has graciously provided some of her terrific B&Ws. She is an awesome photographer whose photos provide the perfect accompaniment to her blog. The B&Ws she has provided are mostly architecture with a portrait and a waterfall thrown into the mix. Then, of course, there is my favorite B&W with a splash of red!




My favorite. . .



Additionally, there are the occasions where historical B&Ws are colorized:
 
Original Photograph by Toni Frissell
Colorized by HansLucifer | valdigtmycketfarg.wordpress.com

Even though life in the past occurred in just as much color as today, the black and white photography seemed to capture the essence of the emotion of the times.


Original Photograph by Dorothea Lange
Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd (photojacker on Reddit) | Photo Chopshop on Facebook
Visit 20 Historic Black and White Photos Colorized @Twisted Sifter.
Enrich the Future. . . 

Whether the amateur or seasoned photographer, each will capture images on the wings of a free spirit of adventure. New designs will emerge exposing greater detail and surprising us beyond our present imagination.


Perhaps the unexplained will be explained. . .


What is your opinion of the B&W photography? Do you think B&Ws best depict historical events?

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2 comments:

  1. Amazing pictures ... the old ones, I mean. The quality was so amazing. It was those big box cameras and wonderful lenses, and the long exposures and using tripods so everything was chrystal clear.

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    1. I was also amazed at the quality! My dad had one of those box cameras and I remember the great pictures he took. Unfortunately, they disappeared through the years. :-(

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