Telling Stories Through Black and White Photography: Waiting For Food and Fun

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Every week Paula of Lost in Translation hosts a fun Black & White Sunday challenge and this week she’s welcomed guest host Allan Hamilton to share his expertise on the subject of narrative black and white photography.  Allan’s guest post is full of great tips for creating engaging images that provoke thought without the distraction of color and I encourage everyone who’s interested in black and white photography to spend a few minutes reading both his post and Paula’s response.

Our challenge is to share photos of people that tell a story and while these two pictures are from different days in Seattle they each capture moments of waiting.  I know what happened before, during and after the photo of Ryan and my niece Ava waiting for lunch but the empty table and chessboard in Westlake Park could have dozens of interpretations.  I wish I knew who started the game and who eventually sat down to finish it on a hot summer day in the middle of the city.

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33 responses to “Telling Stories Through Black and White Photography: Waiting For Food and Fun”

  1. Paula Avatar

    I’m impressed with the clarity and intensity of the shot of Ryan and your niece. The girl is really photogenic 🙂 The scene reminds me of old masters (of painting). The scene in the park with a chessboard is intriguing – it says “unfinished” as much as “waiting”. I am flattered by this contribution. Thank you, Lisa.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      I’m so happy you enjoyed these, Paula. Ava is a lovely girl and she has fun posing for photos but catching her in a quiet moment is rare so I’m glad I had my phone out and ready to shoot.

      Like

      1. Paula Avatar

        Was she aware you were taking photos of them?

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      2. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

        Ava’s so used to me taking pictures that she doesn’t pay much attention any more so she knew I had my camera out but wasn’t thinking about posing for a photo.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Paula Avatar

        🙂

        Like

  2. andy1076 Avatar

    The last photo speaks to me in so many ways 😊

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, Andy it’s one of my favorites.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. andy1076 Avatar

        And mine too now 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Heyjude Avatar

    Both great images. The first has a lovely clarity of light and shadow. The second has that soft focus look which is almost 1930 style. I like how Ryan looks so thoughtful and how your niece is looking directly at the camera.

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks for your comments, Jude. I’m glad you saw the light and shadow in the first image and appreciate the quiet moment in the second. We had just finished a 2 hour walking tour of the Seattle Underground then found a sandwich shop for lunch. Ryan was dreaming of a turkey club and Ava was admitting she was tired. We had a great afternoon together. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Heyjude Avatar

        Your Ryan is looking SO grown up now 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

        He realized last night he’s taller than me… a milestone! Wow.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Heyjude Avatar

        All my kids are taller than me 😦

        Like

  4. lensandpensbysally Avatar

    Each one is a strong interpretation through monochrome. There are no distractions, just enjoying your compositions and subjects.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks so much, Sally. Your b&w photos are always so striking, it means a lot to hear you like these.

      Like

  5. bebs1 Avatar

    The second photo has that vintage look. I guess the location adds to that impression too. I might just join this b/w Sunday Challenge although I hardly take B/w.

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      The building we were in was quite old so I can see the vintage touch in this photo along with the processing. I hope you decide to join in Paula’s Sunday Challenge, it’s a nice way to try something new and play around with b&w.

      Like

  6. NancyTex Avatar

    Great captures,Lisa. I love a great black & white photo!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks so much, Nancy! Happy Belated Canada Day. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Amy Avatar

    I really like the second one. You captured Ava expression and smile so beautifully! 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thank you, Amy. 🙂

      Like

  8. lolaWi Avatar

    beautiful captures, Lisa. b/w photos certainly add drama. 🙂

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, Lola!

      Like

  9. restlessjo Avatar

    Great effort, Lisa! I like both 🙂

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    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      I’m happy to hear you like them both, Jo!

      Like

  10. Debra Avatar

    I really like both photos, Lisa. The one with Ryan and your niece is wonderful. It so beautifully captures a particular moment in their lives, both ordinary and at the same time special. The park scene is so much less intimate and more energetic, but also very compelling. I think you have a really good eye for what translates beautifully in black and white!

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks for such nice comments, Debra. 🙂 It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the photos!

      Like

  11. themofman Avatar

    That first portrait is powerful.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks, Allan.

      Like

  12. pattimoed Avatar

    I love the portrait of the kids. Your niece’s expression is terrific and adds to the narrrative.

    Like

    1. NW Frame of Mind Avatar

      Thanks so much, Patti. 🙂

      Like

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