The Best Laid Plans

This week’s challenge is all about black and white photography, and I am a huge fan. There’s something special about stripping away the colour to see what’s really there, whilst adding mood and drama. The best black and white images need light and shadow otherwise they can end up looking somewhat flat, so definitely not just a case of converting a colour image and hoping for the best.

Week Four - Black and White

Location 1 - London Bridge

Photographers often talk of revisiting a place many times as they weren’t able to capture the image they had envisaged. This is very true for locations 1 and 2 - I’ve never quite managed to get the exact conditions I had in mind despite many visits.

And this shot is no exception :). I‘d decided not to take any time for lunch so that I could escape the office and capture this at the right moment. About 4 o’clock, Mother Nature obliged and so I hot footed it to London Bridge and arrived …. just as the sun went and hid. However, I decided against a minor tantrum, scrabbled up onto the sea wall (much to amusement of passers by), and took the shot anyway.

Looks like I’ll be revisiting this spot again.

Location 2 - Near London Bridge/Lower Thames Street

I got up nice and early as the weather forecast promised sun and light clouds. I had to chuckle as reality delivered neither, so I skipped my planned destination and headed here instead. It’s one of those places that transforms once the lights come on and can be quite atmospheric.

Next time though, I’d like some nice wispy clouds please…

Location 3 - Thames Barrier, London

Onto another frequently visited location. Due to a miscalculation with timings and too much time loafing on the sofa, I arrived a bit late to get the best of the light. Thankfully, the clouds still put on an amazing show.

Anyone else see a glimpse of Sydney Opera House in the design of the Thames Barrier?

In Summary

One of the major photography lessons for me is patience. It’s not a gift I generally possess, or something I’m known for, but photography teaches you to stand and wait - and return to places time after time. Things might not turn out as you envisgaed or planned, but this leads to more creative thinking and sometimes coming away with something different but possibly better.

Next week - Editing previously unloved photos