I’m a fan of black and white photography, really I am.
But, I adore colors.
I also adore flowers. The more vibrant the better.
I often wonder if flowers can look as appealing in black and white as they look to be in color? I set out to see for myself. My flower beds are sparse, it’s been hot, and dry, and they’ve needed rain.
My seedlings have yet to take off into full-fledged plants.
I don’t have many blooms to choose from for photo shots. But I found just enough options to play with in my experiment until the rest of the plants’ bloom.
It won’t be long, though – never fear…Mother Nature is here this morning, rearing up her presence in the sky. Thunder is rumbling, and rain clouds are forming, and flower beds are ready for the rain to fall upon them, to moisten the soil, and to help the tiny seedlings grow.
Meanwhile, that means I am stuck here inside. It makes for a perfect time to explore, in edit mode, the beauty of flowers in black and white.
Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child before you understood the meaning of any word before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a flower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun. – Don Miguel Ruiz
Flowering crab tree buds and flowers (do you see the tiny bee?)
The branches reaching up to the sky.
They’re in full bloom, inviting bees, and preparing for the formation of their fruit.
(Do you see another tiny bee?)
My bleeding heart plant with so much gusto this spring has drawn me to it in the morning light.
And back again in the afternoon. I love the rays of sun peeking through the fence.
I’ve given up the fight with these tiny soldiers who take over flower beds where ever they can. They bloom where they land, regardless of my efforts to contain them.
Violets, violets, violets are everywhere.
The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises. – Leo Buscaglia
My morning writing ritual has come to an end. This virtual stroll through my garden in black and white brought a smile to my face. Hope it did for you, too!
I glanced outside to see, a beautiful double rainbow…sorry, busted…I’m guilty…I simply can’t put pictures of rainbows in black and white…
Now, I’m off to find a pot of gold…is it a Friday payday??
PS – It’s a toss-up for me which flower looks best in black and white? I chose the simple violet as my feature photo, which photo would choose?
Post-Inspiration from Cee’s Black & White: Flowers
Oh, the real you and I, Ms Shelley … I cannot remember before the point of becoming jaded with understanding. Maybe certain feelings and understanding will visit when we start our second childhood. Grand photographs. Thanks for the smile. g
Thank you, G. I agree, a second childhood is a great place to start. You’re already starting…Kat is a great example! The photos you share of her always bring a smile to me!
I love black and white photos, too. Even my profile photo is in black and white. There’s something striking about those two colors together. Loved your rainbow photo as well.
Thank you! You’re right, black and white are very striking together. Way to embrace them with your profile photo! I appreciate hearing from you!
Storm is coming eh? Time to get that aforementioned paper conundrum sorted through today LOL! I am a fan of black and white photography, but there’s a time and place for it, depending on the situation. When it comes to flowers, I want the colors! The whole reason I love flowers is their appearance (and in some cases, scent) I’m a fan of taking a flower pic and making it black and white except for the flower, giving the flower center stage Now, in the case of your seedlings, that not yet grown color, black and white is perfect! Now imagine a color blind person, who only sees in black and white 24/7, and the beauty of color that they miss…or do they if they can’t see it?
Yes, and when it isn’t raining…it’s 90 degrees! Crazy weather! Great thoughts you shared on flowers and color blind? I do know someone who is colorblind, and they see reds as browns, so that person does see in shades. I would miss all the vivid colors if I couldn’t see them! Thanks for sharing your comments!!
My Papa was color blind…totally black and white…and I found that out one day when I dyed my hair from blonde to black, he thought my hair was wet all day! I’m color deficient, where I can see colors but some shades are very hard for me to differentiate…I don’t do very well on color blind tests!
Wow, that’s very interesting! Thank you for sharing!
I always heard that B&W helps you apprciate the shapes and the composition better, because the color distracts from that. I like the ones with the tree.
That’s true, now that you mention it! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for choosing one of my photos you like best!
I can tell you are a fan of black and white. I love your first photo the best. ;D
Thank you, Cee. Your challenges are helping me grow into liking black and white more, and what to look for that works better as black and white!
I adore flowers too!! Their beauty is magnificent. Your black and white photos are cool – vintage feel. Thanks for sharing your captures.
Thank you, I’m happy to read you enjoyed my photos! I agree flowers are magnificent! 🙂
I was feeling the same when I was stealing colors from flowers, I like b&w potraits but flowers I was not sure, just remembered the time when cameras were black and white only 😊
Though the challenge came out great😊🌼
Thank you, I appreciate hearing from you and your thoughts on b&w flowers. It was a fun challenge. It does make me wonder if when cameras were only black & white if the photographers longed to capture the colors. I suspect they did.
Yeah I resonate this feeling, it complete fun to participate in the b and w challenge. Have a great weekend!!
You, too!! Thank you!!