I was recently told that to learn to really edit photos well, you need to first learn to edit photos in black and white exclusively, for maybe a week, a month, ideally for four months.
Four months?? Um, ok…why not? If it worked for other photographers on their road to developing a good eye for photography, I’ll willing to give it a shot. So…
challenge accepted
For my own personal photography project, I plan to edit all my personal photos in black and white for at least a week, and very likely for at least the next month, to develop my photographic eye. Not sure how exactly this works, but I guess over the month, studying photos in black and white for weak spots and where they could use some work, without the distraction of color, and editing to improve the strength of the overall photo, my “photographer’s eye” will develop.
(kinda excited, this is my first photography project- before this i never met a 365 or 52 or even a month long shooting guide i wanted to stick to past a day)
Starting with, a photo I absolutely love:
My son playing in our sprinklers on a beautiful, sun shiny, summer day, and the UPS guy passing by for one of my drops (we haven’t lived here long and all the delivery guys already know me- it’s the nature of being a professional blogger).
And more summer fun:
Can food look tasty without color? Not sure, but the textures sure are fun to play with:
I can already see where I’d adjust things on second look, but I don’t want to be the type of person who tears each photo apart and want perfection everywhere, so I’m going to have fun with this, get as much of each photo to look like the style I’m happy with (I love contrasty black and white images), and then just move on- photography is fun for me, I don’t ever want to make it a chore!
Are you working on any photography projects right now?
I am about to start watching the DVD and read the manual that came with my camera. I think that is a great idea – the B&W editing. I must try it because my photos need a ton of work.
What a great challenge! I love that first one with the water spraying in the air.
Love the black and white photos. That sprinkler shot is amazing!
I love your photos.
I love black and white photos it brings them to life a little more.
I’m loving these pictures. the first one captures so many things – just beautiful work Penelope!
I think black and white photos can be very powerful and moving. I love that you are working on this project. I don’t have any photography projects in the works but do enjoy taking pictures.
This is a great challenge! You take amazing pics. I need to learn how to make the most of my camera asap.
Great pictures! I love black and white pictures. 🙂
Black and white photos are my absolute fave!
Love the photo with the UPS truck.
I like the look of black and white– I never edit my photos to B&W though.
What stunning photos! I think black and white pictures have an infamously classic look.
I’m not working on any photography projects right now but I totally need to. Great job on the black and white!
I adore black & white photography. My favorite photo ever is a professional newborn photo I had done right after Gav was born where I’m holding him. It is absolutely precious, in black & white.
I think the photos are fantastic! I wish I had time to study photography more, but between homeschooling three of the boys, driving two hours each day to take the other to school and trying to work, there just isn’t time left for me.
Those came out beautifully! I especially love the first shot with the fence being bright white yet you can still see the water droplets all over.
Those are great shots! I love black & white photos and really should shoot, or at least edit, in b&w more. I hope you learn a lot & have fun with this project!
A new camera is coming my way next week! I cannot wait to get a project going. Photoshop is still on my list.
What camera did you get? Isn’t it exciting?
That sounds beautiful 🙂
The black and white looks amazing for the photos. You did a great job.
Your photos are beautiful in any color or lack of color!
Beautiful Photos Penelope.
I adore the 1st two shots, but food needs color for me personally.
I love your photos Penelope.
Yah, some things need color to be appealing
love the 1st photo its GORGEOUS in Black and white dont’ have any projects right now but I’ have so gorgeous photos I took up at the lake
I love that first picture! So classic modern day America!
Nothing going on right now but I just got lightroom and really want to learn it, I just need to find the time LOL
It is awesome! Did you get Lightroom 5 or 4?
I love all of these and the different feel black and white gives to each shot.
I love B&W photography (with the exception of food, because it needs color to look appetizing)! Your first photo could be in a magazine!
You’re going to be exceptional at this, I can tell! I want to take a class at a store here in town as a starting point but it’s just finding the time that is the trick…
These pictures are absolutely beautiful! You sure have an eye for the right shot, Especially the sprinkler shot, it looks so dramatic for a summer’s day. I love the idea of learning to edit photos by starting with black & white, I think I might try that myself!