After I posted the photographs of and a little information about Eugenia and our photo shoot in Providence, several friends who had seen different renderings of the photographs indicated that they preferred the color one or the monochrome versions. Seeing a learning moment, I thought it would be appropriate to post the other versions of each photograph, one after the other for comparative viewing in the line of some instructive evaluation. You will find that different versions elicit a different feeling, a different response from you, such is the nature of photography.
When we change one or more elements in the structure of a photograph it brings forward other components. Color tends to be an existential part of a photograph, it describes subject and completes the descriptive message. As we change the way the photograph is processed, say to cross-processing, color takes on a different meaning. Instead of defining and describing the subject in an existential manner it now serves as a new structural element with a different voice and helps make a new statement with the work. Conversion to monochrome is a form of abstraction, one element that makes up the photograph has been removed as if the color “clothing” has been taken off. That, in turn, emphasizes shapes, forms, texture, and the relationship between dark and light, chiaroscuro.
So, counting on your patience, here they are the monochrome and color versions presented sequentially. You can refer to the previous post for the cross-processed version.
Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
Ballerina in Providence
Ora Wry
What an excellent lesson in perception and color value. Thank you, Cemal.
A. Cemal Ekin
Glad you enjoyed to post Ora.
Leslie Jean
I like different ones color and others monochrome. I like 7 as monochrome with the texture in the donut, and 18 as color because of the way the sky adds to the image.