This is the official posting thread, so please read this before you start posting.
B&W 2008 Side challenge
A Photo a week
Recap
1) One B&W image each week. This is not mandatory, but consistency will be good for those submitting photos and those commenting.
2) B&W images – other “alternative” B&W is allowed, but we really want to keep the focus on straight B&W.
3) Image formatted to a standard ratio for common printing (like 4x6,5x7,8x10). This is not a hard & fast rule.
4) Have fun, learn something, teach something, and share comments. This is where it is at for me. We could do our own separate projects, but doing it together makes it more enjoyable.
Some extra thoughts…
It is best if you can post your images in your DPC portfolio. It is easier to view and comment on the image, resulting in more of both.
With a little more than 50 participants, there will about 50 images a week to view (I always was good at math). Make an effort to comment creatively. Please read this thread and tutorial:
"Alternative B&W" is a term I invented this week to refer to all the images you see in a B&W challenge but are not really B&W, like partial desaturation, selective desaturation, sepias, duotones, etc.
In the interest of learning and teaching, please take the time to post your camera settings, put some comments about your own image as well as post processing details. This will help give insight into the process and story behind each image.
One year is a long time and life happens. So, do not feel bad if you drop out for a week or two. Let's look out for each other. If you notice someone fading away, send them a PM and drop them some words of encouragement.
I took my little Joy to the Raptor Center @ GSU twice this week, and met these ladies in the gift shop, the ladies in charge. I explained what we were doing to Stephanie (Ivory) and Brandi (Ebony), then I asked if I might take their portrait. (I gave them a card so they could see my credentials on-line.)
I said, "Since we are starting a Black & White photo post per week, I think it only fitting that I highlight the amazing social transformation that has occurred during my lifetime. I would like my first 'Black & White' post to be 'Ebony & Ivory'." As you can see, thankfully they were completely willing to participate...
Thank You in advance for the things that I will learn from every commenter on this side challenge! In advance I ask for your longsuffering and grace as I begin to "spin this new plate," if there is some unwritten social rule that posters are supposed to comment as often as they post or suffer from social demerits (i.e. "Scratch my back & I will scratch yours!",) then I am not sure that I can hold up my end of the deal in the Commentary Department (I am the work-from-home Daddy of a four-year-old little girl who is quite verbal.) I will try, but I confess to being easily distracted right now,...if you know what I mean.
Now that the mundane is out-of-the-way, to the fun part...I am really glad to be here! Black & White photos are great! :)
P.S. - I uploaded my process to my portfolio here at DPC, and I have a page at PhotoBlog for any & all interested parties. Ebony & Ivory @ Photoblog.com!
My second trip to the abandoned sugar beet warehouse and factory. This is a detail of the door leading to the part of the structure formerly being used as an auto body shop. it too is now abandoned again.
20 images posted and I'd like to say the standard is pretty darn good. I signed up for this side challenge as a way to learn how to improve my B&W photography and find myself amidst a groups of experts - after a year of these images I wonder what standard we'll all be at?
