Colour or Monochrome?

After such a dismal period of rain and gloom, the promise of sunnier and warmer weather over the second part of last weekend eventually motivated me to get out and create some landscape images up on Dartmoor.

For many reasons, I have been struggling with motivation to get out of late and I haven't been feeling the draw of landscape images; I have found it hard to feel creative and also find new locations for some reason. In such a beautiful part of the world, that may come as a surprise, but I have taken literally thousands of images in this county I call home and really struggle sometimes to not to repeat previous endeavours.

Also, whilst taking on a young Cocker Spaniel has been wonderful in so many ways, there is a stress when taking photographs, especially when using a tripod and having an energetic and curious new chum on a lead getting tangled up with photography gear. It's like Maypole dancing with a lunatic bundle of fur.

Everyday is an Adventure

I have also alluded in previous posts, that whilst I love sunshine and a beautiful warm day, that purely from a photography perspective, I find that I am less inspired to take photographs when it is beautiful weather: Daft, I know.! It's a mindset that I need to change! My way of dealing with this lack of inspiration is to often think in Black and White.

I like monochrome. Many of my favourite photographs are Black and White. Not in every instance for sure, but sometimes, Mono images seem (to me) to convey more atmosphere than their colour equivalent. One of my very favourite photographers is Fay Godwin and nearly all of her landscape images were taken in Black and White. They convey a bleakness that colour doesn't capture and also the light and shade really pick out the texture more. I grew up at a time when colour was taking off in photography, but was influenced by the monochrome world that was the everyday in photography until the 1970's.

Abandoned and forgotten places are also a draw for me. I am nostalgic for a start off and find myself wondering what life was like when these places were busy with people and endeavour. I like the juxtaposition of a natural looking landscape with a human back story...the untold stories behind why places have been abandoned: be it a Welsh Slate Mine, a farm on Dartmoor or an industrial site slowly decaying. The w ay nature reclaims these sites is, for me photogenic: especially in Black and White.

A favourite image from Dinorwic Quarry in North Wales. A magical and thought provoking place that I am captivated by. In colour, I like it.

The same image as I had it in my mind when I took it, Not strictly monochrome, but the only item picked out in colour adds contrast to the monochrome bulk of the image,

So....I've walked out on Dartmoor to this abandoned farm west of Hexworthy before, but paid it another visit on Monday. I pretty much had this little piece of Dartmoor to myself and with the Swincombe River flowing towards the Dart next to the abandoned farm, the constant flow of the river seemed to be in contrast to the transient nature of human endeavour. I was trying to imagine what life in this tucked away part of Dartmoor must have been like for the people trying to eak out a living here and wondering how long ago the site was abandoned. Imagine a harsh winter here.....It must have been a tough life!

So here are some images. Maybe let me know what you think: Black and White or colour? I know what I prefer, but you might have a different preference yourself.

Morning Light

Morning Light Mono

Of these next 2 images, I am going to surprise you maybe, by actually thinking that I prefer the colour image: What do you think?

A River runs through it

I decided to crop this Square in the Monochrome Version for some reason

At the end of the day though, whatever my preference of images, it really came down to finding the motivation to get out early and enjoy the beauty we are so blessed to have on out doorstep. I was very pleased with a few of the images I created, but the greater joy was in just being out, seeking out compositions, being part of the landscape and above all sharing it with my new mate, who seemed to love the walk despite not being allowed off the lead. I for one, felt rejuvenated and more inspired to get ouit again as soon as possible Got to be a good thing and certainly helped to restore my lost mojo.

I hope this blog inspires you to get out, or maybe even joining me on the next Camera Companions walk on the 19th April. A different part of Dartmoor to enjoy and explore together.

You'll find details in the events section of this website.

Til next time,,,,,Mark x