Everything looks better in black & white

My love affair with black & white photography began many years ago when I was taking pictures with my mother’s point & shoot film camera. I mistakenly bought a roll of b&w film at the local drug store and rather than exchanging it for color, I decided to just use it. After exhausting the roll, I took it in for developing and was in awe. Not of my work, mind you, but of the character black and white seemed to add to even the most average of photographs.

Over the years, I fell in love with black and white portraiture, specifically the work of the late Richard Avedon. By shooting in black and white, portraits seem not only more artistic, but more compelling. Without the a random pallete of colors to draw away your attention, you’re left with the subject. And that subject is what matters. In a black and white photo your drawn into the person. You see the life in their eyes, the character in their face. You’re invited into their world and allowed to imagine the life they may have have lived.

This month I’m beginning a new project which is very different from my “business” work. Rather than photographing people who come to me, I’ll be going to them. I’m making a point of taking my camera with me everywhere I go and when I see someone interesting, I’m going to ask them if I can shoot a portrait. I’m sure most people will look at me like I’m crazy, but what’s life without an occasional case of embarrassment?

In the project, I hope to create a series of natural, honest portraits which allow the viewers to get a glimpse into a stanger’s life. I don’t want anyone to hide behind “Say Cheese!” smiles or awkward poses, I want them to simply be themselves.

As always, I’ll share my work on the blog and let’s kick it off with my first portrait of the series.

Joan - Registered Nurse