I was recently nominated by a photographer friend to participate in the B&W Photo Challenge. For those unfamiliar, the challenge (usually taking place on Facebook) is an ongoing event which entails posting an original black and white photograph once a day for five days, and challenging another individual to do the same on each of those days.
Two of the shots I chose (the first and last) were taken the morning I accepted the challenge. The remaining three were from 2014. Following is a brief explanation of each of the shots.
- This is the Amtrack Surfliner crossing the Ventura lagoon. I was originally shooting zoomed in closer to the bridge when the train came unexpectedly. I was able to zoom out in time for this serendipitous capture.
- Full moon taken from my back yard this past summer. I was experimenting with exposure when I came up with this pleasing combination of aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
- The detail in bark (pine in this case) always looks nice in B&W. Ivy helps to soften up the composition.
- Taken at the Pt. Dumé Headlands in Malibu, I framed these cactus petals to look like a prickly heart. Ouch!
- This is the graffiti covered bridge that the train in the first shot was heading towards. For a little perspective, both of the palm trees at left can be seen on the left of the first photo as well.
What’s particularly pleasing about this challenge is seeing the images posted by the individual who nominated you, those you invite, and those they invited in turn. It’s interesting that this type of organic event is self-perpetuating. It wouldn’t surprise me at all If I were nominated to participate again this year, by a friend of a friend I’ve yet to meet!
Photos ©Ed Ward. B&W conversion done in Photoshop using the NIK Silver Efex Pro plugin
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