Back to Black
I have always had a fascination with monochromatic imagery. From visual art to photography and even interior design, black and white seems to have a timeless look, that appeals to me.
When I began painting professionally, I reached for black and white as a way to hone my skills in tone, shade and form. Taking away the colour mixing aspect certainly helped to develop my skills as a painter. As well as this, I thoroughly loved the finished effect over colour. There was an air of sophistication, timelessness and beauty.
Black & White images ‘seem to touch us more, to hold more resonance and to be somehow ‘truer’ to their subject than colour images’. Headshot Photography London.
Over the years, I have experimented with different mediums; monochromatic painting, photography and drawing. I have also attempted both pre and post developing of black and white photos. I find shooting initially in black and white, enables me to focus aspects I wouldn’t necessarily notice in colour. The black and white screen before me, removes distractions of colour, and allows me to see only the composition, form and contrast.
‘For many photographers, black and white therefore offers the chance to transform mundane, often lackluster subjects, into things of absolute beauty.’ Artsper magazine.
Previously, any use of colour was done with some reluctance - usually catering to the wishes of the customer. I have however, started to realise the importance of my own individual style and concentrate on very monochromatic work, in whatever medium I choose. That personal freedom in my art practice has become much more important to me.
On my recent work trip in Spain and Portugal, I took the opportunity to shoot solely in black and white, with very pleasing results. I am drawn largely to more candid shots of people within urban environments, whilst the dramatic architecture also draws me in.
