A recent trip to London pushed me out of my comfort zone. Armed with my trusty camera, I found myself uninterested in the usual subjects—no palaces, sharply dressed guards, window displays at Harrods, or punk rockers in Camden Market.
Instead, I set myself a challenge: to capture minimalist architecture that would translate beautifully to black and white.
Sounds simple, right? Well, sort of. Creating strong black-and-white images requires good contrast and clean lines. The challenge in London? Many of the buildings are ornate and detailed. While undeniably beautiful, they often feel a bit cliché in photos. On the flip side, the towering, modern structures in the financial district are architecturally intriguing, but not exactly what I was after. I wanted to capture something more subtle—buildings that often go unnoticed or unappreciated, even in a city as iconic as London.
Now, I have to admit (and I know this may not be a popular opinion), I’m not a huge fan of London. It’s fun for a short visit, but after 24 hours, I find myself craving quiet, open spaces, and friendlier surroundings. The constant hustle and bustle just isn’t for me. That said, there’s no better way to complete a photographic ‘mission’ than on foot! My step counter practically thought I’d handed my watch to a hyperactive Jack Russell. The higher-than-usual count even confused the exercise algorithm, but it was worth every step.
Why do we take photographs? Often, it's to preserve a memory or to tell a story. But do black-and-white images have a unique power to prompt viewers to pause and reflect on what’s happening in the scene?
If you are interested in black and white photography there are a number of great online resources available. Take a look at
the Arts and Humanity website of Lensculture which is jam-packed with resources, or this very detailed guide from Photography Life. Not only do they have an excellent guide to help you achieve B&W mastery there are also a selection of inspiring photographs.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to grab your camera and 'get out there'.
@lensculture
@photographylife
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