B&W Challenge No. 24 - Take a Walk

[hmca]

For some reason, I always find it easier to find a subject when we travel. Everything is new and I am intent on discovery. It’s often like being on a treasure hunt, not knowing what will show up further along the road.
In the case of landscape, we will travel to a certain location known for its natural beauty. However, at home I need to challenge myself to come up with an interesting subject.
I tend to go back to the same locations over and over. I’m not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but I need to expand my vision.

The subject for our next black and white assignment will be left up to you. However, there is one catch. Your images must be in walking distance of where you live.
And for this assignment you will be asked to look at the familiar in the context of black and white photography.
When deciding what to shoot remember that black and white/monochrome can be used to emphasize the shape, texture light and shadow of a scene as well as create a certain mood.
Before you head out it might be good to think about which of these aspects you would like to emphasize. That may guide you in deciding what time of day might be best.

When posting your image please tell us a little about why you chose this particular subject. Were you drawn to the interplay of light and shadow? Did you think that the shape or texture inherent in the scene would be enhanced by converting to black and white?
Does it have some historical significance that would be enhanced by using sepia tone perhaps?



Here are images within walking distance of my home......



I live across the street from a marina.  This picture was taken yesterday and the weather was less than ideal.  Looking out my windows there is always something going on on the river so I thought
I should definitely include one of boats.  After seeing the explanations of members' editing process using LR, I decided to use it exclusively for all of my edits for this challenge.  After selecting a base 
monochrome I used the basic sliders, color sliders, split tone options, curves and vignette and fiddled (that's a Clive term) my way to a final edit.  

Also taken yesterday, I am always drawn to the character of older homes.




In contrast the home below was destroyed by fire a few years ago and rebuilt in an attempt to restore the architectural style of the past.
 


Finally I chose this plant on our property....I liked the shape of the leaves and thought the plalnt would create an interesting black and white image.

[pontiac1940]

Walk would be a stretch!   Waddled out to the back yard. 

Helen, this is a great idea. You are correct: we often travel to take photos and, yet, there is always something in our "back yard," literally, in this case. I could have walked a bit farther, but in my defense, it is raining here. 

You posted a hosta ... did not want to copy, but since they are such a big part of our landscaping, I had to shoot a couple of plants. 

[hmca]

Great subjects, Clive. I like the way the rain enhanced your images....and love the composition of your bottom image. Thanks for getting us started.

[blackmutt]

I walked all the way out into my backyard  I expect the hostas to be gone soon, they are a favorite of the deer!  They will get the daylily buds before they open as well....


i.ibb.co/mH606qN/DSC-4437.jpg


i.ibb.co/R7LRk93/DSC-4438.jpg

[pontiac1940]

Took a walk at the summer place...we came back today. Saw a pile of old poplar fire logs. 
BTW, all of these conersions are: new adj layer>>>gradient map>>fiddle with mid tones. Some were then run thru ACR again. Fiddle.   

[billz]

Thanks for the theme Helen, and the fine examples. I especially love the marina shot!

My camera takes me for a walk every day ... no exceptions. Most days I hop on the first bus I see, take it to wherever it's going, and explore that part of town. To satisfy the theme I skipped the bus today. This is a very easily walkable two miles from my house.

I chose a long (30-second) exposure to smooth out the waves and draw the eyes to the texture of the pilings. The leading lines point to my condo, and I like the way the city sits off in the background, lest we forget about it.  Edits in ACR and a touch of dodge/burn in PS.

[billz]

Jul 5, 2019 18:10:40 GMT pontiac1940 said:

Walk would be a stretch!   Waddled out to the back yard. 


I love that jolly statue Clive!!  Nice shots!

[pontiac1940]

Thanks Bill. Really like your water scene. Tranquil. Nice tones.
The jolly statue gets a red ribbon bow at Christmas. My wife feels sorry for him when he's snow covered. 
Clive

[hmca]

Thanks for the additions, Judy, Clive and Bill. Judy, the different textures in the little corner of your yard were well chosen. Guess that little frog is no help against the deer. Nice pattern and texture, Clive.
Bill, you have such an interesting city to explore. Your morning adventures sound like a fun way to start your day! Love long exposures and the way you lined up the pilings.

[Peterj]

I choose to walk out my front door to capture these flowers against the stucco wall in the courtyard.

On1 used for all processing

[hmca]

Have always liked seeing flowers in black and white. Might be nice to try to get in really close on one of these as well....... lovely lines and shape.

[tonyw]

Today I was giving walking tours at a nearby historic oil field/museum - within walking distance from home but must admit I did drive as I had too much stuff to carry - not just the camera! Between tours I did get to take some photos so here's one - converted to an antique black and white in Silver Efex with a bit of help from ON1 .  Might look antique but it does run and is still useable!  Picked up a new brochure while there for a town walking tour so might have to do some more walking.



Tony

[hmca]

Great subject, Tony. Love the toning. Look forward to seeing what comes next.

[Peterj]

Jul 6, 2019 18:50:06 GMT hmca said:

Have always liked seeing flowers in black and white. Might be nice to try to get in really close on one of these as well....... lovely lines and shape.

Giving it a try

[hmca]

You have good strong edges there, Pete. If it were mine I might be tempted to select the flower and replace the background with something smoother and perhaps darker......not saying you need to.....just a thought.

Feel free to ignore me.