[Leica] Walking upon a Stone (in black & white)

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (tedgrant at shaw.ca)]

Quan Tran ASKED & OFFERED:
Subject: [Leica] Walking upon a Stone (in black & white)


> Colors or Black and White?
> http://fluxlux.blogspot.com/2011/03/walking-upon-stone-in-black-white.html

Hi Quan,
Very interesting? When looked at individually and not side by side, it 
doesn't seem to make much difference which way you show or see the 
individual photograph. Neither really makes me tremendously excited in what 
would be a "Fine Art" showing. Maybe because they're small on the screen and 
require being viewed in print size 13X19, 16X20 or larger for maximum 
effect.

But then on the LUG many folks know I'm not the worlds greatest believer in 
photographs of Rocks, Ferns and Non-Breathing subjects! Unless it's a 
subject that is truly a beautiful photograph! You'll also be told,  I never 
held my breath with excitement looking at the photography of Ansel Adams, 
the worlds great Rock &Fern photographer.... Oh yes and mountains! :-) A 
great technician? You bet, one of the worlds greatest!

However, looking at yours side by side, I prefer the B&W as I see this image 
as a "Fine Art Subject!" Therefore I find the B&W with the better impact in 
the "Art Category!"  Obviously I'm affected by my bias toward 
photojournalism and living events. That doesn't mean a fine artistic work of 
art of rocks or whatever subject, will not have me admiring the talents of 
the photographer's abilities.

But unfortunately this photograph in B&W or colour doesn't seem to cut it 
and would not likely be hung in MOMA! I have been known to be completely 
wrong during my 61 years working as a photojournalist. :-) So be it! In the 
fine Art images, they either make me near drop dead they are so beautiful, 
or they just sit there like a pile of rocks! :-(

Even after writing this I still have the feeling the B&W, needs to be very 
big to be appreciated! By the way, given this is your photography, which do 
you prefer and why?

cheers,
Dr. Ted

tedgrantphoto.com