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Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

11/09/2015

“One very important difference between color and monochromatic photography is this: in black and white you suggest; in color you state. Much can be implied by suggestion, but statement demands certainty… absolute certainty.” – Paul Outerbridge

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Monochromatic pertaining to, or having tones of one color in addition to the ground hue: monochromatic pottery. 3. pertaining to light of one color or to radiation of a single wavelength or narrow range of wavelengths Monochromatic – The Free Dictionary

I love colors and this was not easy to do because I’m a huge fan of certain types of photography and nature seems to be my main canvas. That said, it’s wise that the weekly photo challenge pushes us to explore other ways of viewing the world through our lenses. Even though I whinge about it, the exercise will make me a better, and more informed photographer. The monochromatic theme and all the technical aspects of achieving it in a photo was harder for me to do.  Of course, I was tempted to go with black and white shots which remain the most classic interpretation of the form but, I wanted a variety of monochromatic color schemes. Did I say I love colors? I do and I hope you like my selections. I’ll upload the collage photos individually on MESH later. Thank you!

September 11 Photo Collage: - Remembrance: In memory of all who lost their lives on this tragic day! RIP

September 11 Photo Collage: – Remembrance: In memory of all who lost their lives on this tragic day! RIP

September 11 Attacks/Remembrance: I  would be remiss if I didn’t pause to remember our fellow men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.  It seems like only yesterday, when we gathered around our TV sets, our office windows or ears glued to news outlets around the world, to hear of the terrible tragedy that befell us all. It was a day of unimaginable horror. Many families lost loved ones who left that morning to work, some on flights heading to various destinations and never returned home. We live in challenging times and in a global village that must make every effort to maintain peace. Without peace efforts, all of us will suffer and our children will inherit an unsafe world. That is not what I want for my kids, for myself or for anyone else …  let’s make PEACE matter. Make a difference by being a light bearer for global peace. My prayer is that we never encounter such a thing in our lifetimes ever again.
More below!

“The sky is like a monochromatic contemporary painting, drawing me in its illusion of depth, pulling me up.” John Green, Paper Towns

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic

These were staged shots. I pulled a few things in the house together so I could get enough of a monochromatic effect.  After the assignment was posted on this blog, I dug around my photo files ( about an hour ago EST 8pm), and discovered that I have pictures that are better representations of the technique. Sadly,  I’m always working at beating the EST 12 noon clock to get my posts in before EST 5pm. Maybe one day, they will surprise us and post the photo challenges earlier. We could all use the extra hours to get our shots together… Thank you Cheri! That said, I wish all a restful and peaceful weekend. Enjoy the photos and hug your loved ones. Have a Happy Weekend!

My fellow bloggers were equally creative with their selections. Check out how others interpreted the theme – Monochromatic – below.

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Weekly Photo Challenge: Monochromatic  –  In this week’s challenge, share with us your monochromatic images. Be calculating and creative in choosing your subject and focal point; resist the urge to simply take a photo of something with a single color range. In a monochromatic image, a distinct point of focus, or focal point, is also a necessity. Great photographs immediately engage a viewer’s eye and attention, and especially in images where the colors tend to bleed together, the photographer needs to choose the focus with intention.

Positive Motivation Tip: Monochromatic images remind us of the beauty of a singular palate. By the same token, we can appreciate the beauty of a united global peace effort.

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos copyrighted and from my Personal Collection. | Montage, Fireman, Flight Engine, Pentagon Damage, Ground Zero September 11 photos via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

 

106 Comments leave one →
  1. Masshole Mommy permalink
    11/09/2015 2:59 pm

    I agree that we all see things differently. Like they always say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

  2. amanda permalink
    11/09/2015 3:27 pm

    I absolutely love monochromatic artwork. My favorites tend to be in blues and grays…not sure what that says about the emotion I like to feel from artwork!

  3. Joely Smith permalink
    11/09/2015 4:24 pm

    I love bold vivid colors too but there is something that is just so perfect about monocrome and black and white! I think it leaves so much more to the imagination and brings back memories of days gone by.

  4. justalittlespoonful permalink
    11/09/2015 6:19 pm

    Amazing photography. Everything looks totally frame-able and ready to display.

  5. Kristen from The Road to Domestication permalink
    11/09/2015 6:22 pm

    You did a great job! I would have had a hard time – I like all the colors, too!

  6. miss (@thedealmatch) permalink
    11/09/2015 6:39 pm

    great photo collection. I took so many food pictures but never done anything with panorama or interesting places

  7. The Trophy WifeStyle permalink
    11/09/2015 7:16 pm

    Ahhhhhh I was just reminiscing all the feelings I had about 9/11 today! Crazy how it has already been 14 years! I feel old lol

  8. Michelle F. permalink
    11/09/2015 7:45 pm

    Those are some great pictures. I love all of those colors.

  9. 11/09/2015 9:13 pm

    You have chosen a nice variety of monochrome photos for this week’s challenge. Remembering 9/11 and my cousin, Dani Moore Parsons. She lost her life in the second building to go down.

    • 12/09/2015 11:27 pm

      I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin… May she rest in peace. <3. This week's assignment was a challenge for me. TY!

      • spiritofdragonflies permalink
        13/09/2015 6:22 am

        Thank you. It seems so many people know someone or were related to someone who perished as a result of the tragedy especially people living in NY, NJ, CT, MA, RI and PA. It is amazing how many people commuted to and from NYC. There are stories of those who were supposed to be in NYC that day but didn’t go to work for some reason and others, like my cousin, who weren’t supposed to be there and were. She went in place of her supervisor that day. Sometimes there are no explanations. Love and Light!

      • 29/09/2015 2:15 am

        Hugs and love… it remains a powerful story even today… <3

  10. Chelley @ A is For Adelaide permalink
    11/09/2015 9:41 pm

    Your photos have me thinking about Fall! You always take the best photos!

  11. marly_ms (@mgmhar) permalink
    11/09/2015 9:47 pm

    Very nice gallery. Yes, I spent silence to remember the 9/11 tragedy. It was very horrific. Although I was miles away back then, I’ve seen that in the news on tv.

    Mhar Sefcik

  12. violetaloredana permalink
    12/09/2015 12:56 am

    A very inspired series! I loved the blue photos and those dedicated to 9/11. A photo can say 1,000 words, right?

  13. Acadiana'sThriftyMom permalink
    12/09/2015 2:46 am

    These photos are gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂

  14. Jenn @ EngineerMommy permalink
    12/09/2015 5:01 am

    What beautiful photos. I believe that monochromatic photos can be more powerful than super colorful ones! Thanks for sharing!

  15. Tammy permalink
    12/09/2015 5:04 am

    I love to take pictures but have never tried taking monochromatic pictures. I love this challenge.

  16. Yvonne Bertoldo permalink
    12/09/2015 5:55 am

    You really have great ideas for your weekly photo challenges. I admire your creativity ms. Elizabeth 🙂

  17. Claire Algarme permalink
    12/09/2015 6:31 am

    I also love colors but sometimes I get attracted to monochromatic photographs when done in good taste. They appear artful and elegant.

  18. Jeanine permalink
    12/09/2015 7:33 am

    Such pretty photos. That vase is gorgeous. My husband brings me flowers twice a week and I would love something like that for them!

  19. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    12/09/2015 7:59 am

    I love what Paul Outerbridge have said about monochomatic photography. I definitel;y agree with him.

  20. Kathy Ngo permalink
    12/09/2015 8:21 am

    I prefer the black and white. More powerful and evokes the right emotions. It also makes more of a statement than a black white for me. I have yet to try monochrome shots but I find it very interesting.

  21. Claudette Esterine permalink
    12/09/2015 8:48 am

    You are such a great photographer! I like your 9/11 Remembrance. Your concluding thought aligns with me – it is all about peace, everywhere. I went further and added freedom, love, and respect for all. Namaste

    • 12/09/2015 10:29 pm

      Thank you Claudette. I feel strongly about maintaining global peace too. The 9/11 collage is from public domain photos on Wikipedia. I have attrition at the bottom of my posts. Thanks again! 🙂

  22. 12/09/2015 9:08 am

    Your photos are amazing. I don’t think the 9/11 tragedy could be easily forgotten. I am sending prayers to the family of the victims.

  23. Tanya permalink
    12/09/2015 10:02 am

    Beautiful pictures

  24. Katie Garvin permalink
    12/09/2015 10:37 am

    Wow, what beautiful pictures! I wish I could take pictures like this….ah well!

  25. Shann Eva permalink
    12/09/2015 11:44 am

    I love the look of monochromatic. My favorite color has to be green and all it’s shades.

    • 12/09/2015 10:21 pm

      Green is perfect as it is in nature. If I had more time, I would have gone outside to find the perfect patch of complimentary green. 😉

  26. Rosey permalink
    12/09/2015 5:08 pm

    You can’t tell from the pictures that you had a challenge getting the shots. They turned out great!

  27. M from The Stay-at-Home Life permalink
    12/09/2015 5:33 pm

    Beautiful photos, especially the one of the vase

  28. Dawn McAlexander permalink
    12/09/2015 7:43 pm

    These colors are gorgeous! I love the blues.

  29. Girl, Unspotted permalink
    12/09/2015 10:49 pm

    Great photo. All the right balance of colors and contrast. Despite the same shades, the vase still stands out!

  30. RonRon permalink
    13/09/2015 2:40 am

    Good photo selection. Love the monochromatic pics too. AS for the 9/11, we will never forget.

  31. 13/09/2015 3:41 am

    I love colour as well – your blue images are gorgeous, however I often intend to use blue and white, but of all your images today the bambi in your garden wins today 🙂

  32. Jojo Vito permalink
    13/09/2015 4:31 am

    i agree, its nice to have some theme for yourself to do when practicing in photography 🙂

  33. PrayerFull Mum permalink
    13/09/2015 7:06 am

    I know a lot of people think that monochromatic is just b/w but these pictures showed the real meaning so well. The next time someone tells me that monochromatic is boring, I will show them your blogpost 😉

  34. Fred permalink
    13/09/2015 7:39 am

    well-taken monochromatic photos have so much drama in them. Your photo of the orange roses is breathtaking. Your photo of the blue vase in the blue box is simple but powerful. – Fred

  35. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    13/09/2015 8:33 am

    monochromatic photos are great and absolutely stunning but I still prefer Back & White. it offers a taste of Nostalgia.

  36. Nova permalink
    13/09/2015 10:00 am

    good collection of photography on how to describe to us what is monochromatic all about…I’ve learned from this. Thank you.

  37. Tiffany Yong permalink
    13/09/2015 10:31 am

    Someone once told me colouring and doing work that is monochromatic is quite therapeutic and can tell people what the artist is feeling at that moment

  38. MsCrookedHalo permalink
    13/09/2015 11:29 am

    I have no artistic eye at all but I do love art that has a pop of color on a bland background.

  39. Brandy M permalink
    13/09/2015 11:42 am

    My hubby is a professional photographer and I would love it if he would do these types of pictures! They are beautiful

  40. Nicol permalink
    13/09/2015 12:34 pm

    ah i see monochrome from a different perspective after reading this! i always assume black and white

  41. Stephanie Pass permalink
    13/09/2015 3:05 pm

    I love your monochromatic shots. They really are beautiful. I love the top collage of various colors.

  42. Fernando permalink
    13/09/2015 3:10 pm

    Colors give life to a person but different from another human being. Our perceptions for colors depends on our outlook in life. Fernando Lachica

  43. Jason Panuelos permalink
    13/09/2015 5:51 pm

    There’s a beautiful sophistication to monochromatic themes. One color definitely does not have to be boring! 😀

  44. HilLesha permalink
    13/09/2015 7:11 pm

    These are beautiful and inspiring pictures! You’re a wonderful photographer.

  45. Louise ღ (@louisechelle) permalink
    13/09/2015 10:07 pm

    I usually love monochromatic shots in fashion. It looks very simple yet creative. And yes, when in doubt, going black and white would be a good choice.
    PS: Seeing photos of the 9/11 still breaks my heart. 🙁

  46. franc permalink
    14/09/2015 1:50 am

    I think September 11 is the start of the age of terrorism. Our mentality and security is much different since then.

  47. Dhemz permalink
    14/09/2015 7:42 am

    What a great artwork! Great shots…such an awesome tribute!

  48. ParentingHealthy permalink
    14/09/2015 10:03 am

    Great5 photos and topic I was not familiar with this word

  49. Stace Werner permalink
    14/09/2015 10:06 am

    I can see how nature would lend itself to a green or blue monochromatic palette. I like how you used the nature photos in the greyscale photo collection.

  50. Travel Quest permalink
    14/09/2015 5:15 pm

    I’m always interested with paintings or any artworks the show emotion by the artist who made it. I’m aspiring photographer never to late to study and be a pro.

  51. Karen permalink
    14/09/2015 6:57 pm

    I love the pictures in monochrome even in technicolor. I also remember the song “Life in monochrome” while reading your post.

  52. Nova permalink
    14/09/2015 6:57 pm

    This would help us become more aware of the kinds of colors we should combine or use.

  53. Anna permalink
    14/09/2015 7:06 pm

    I live monochromatic colors because they are dramatic and it’s like they tell a story.

  54. victoria permalink
    14/09/2015 7:11 pm

    I love the photo and color was really great. i wish i could be good in photograpy

  55. Jonathan Key permalink
    14/09/2015 7:11 pm

    These are really beautiful pictures! I really like the green one.

  56. Ling Tan permalink
    14/09/2015 11:43 pm

    different shades of blues in your staged shot – I thought you’d need more contrast for that pic to work.

  57. Jojo Vito permalink
    15/09/2015 5:29 am

    I remember the time when I was still very active in our photography group, we would have a challenge/theme every week

  58. Chubskulit Rose permalink
    15/09/2015 5:52 am

    If I would be given a chance to go for a dream, I would choose a career that has something to do with photgraphy, it’s just an enjoyable thing.

  59. Jessica Beal Harlow permalink
    15/09/2015 1:24 pm

    I really love the concept of how black & white leaves us open to suggestion whereas when something is in color it is more concrete. It’s kind of like how I prefer reading books versus seeing the movie version. I like being able to include my own interpretation?! 🙂

  60. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) permalink
    16/09/2015 3:26 am

    I super like the black and white photos. They look so stunning.

  61. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    16/09/2015 9:30 am

    Your photos made me think about pursue my long wish to learn photography.

  62. 12/09/2015 11:38 pm

    Thank you!<3

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