On Black

I've had a thing for black as of late. So much so that I've heard comments to the effect that I should add some color to my life.  To my clothes, to my graphic designs to my photography. I've considered the suggestion and filed it away.  You see, to me black is an anchor, it's constant and it's elegant. It reminds me of a symphony...beautiful notes set off by black, proper clothing. In photography it can do very much the same.

It is however, sometimes hard to photograph.  Exposure is different than 'normal'. There are many 'degrees' of black and of course there is the practicality of black showing every speck of dust imaginable. It can make a subject feel like it's floating, literally in a black hole. Sometimes as photographers we fear it.

You might notice however, that I've utilized it quite a bit. The last two month's challenges were set on black so this month I decided to approach this month's Inspired Plate food photography theme of 'shooting on black' in a way that would be new to me. This time I utilized reflection. I found it to be an interesting challenge to only reflect what you want to reflect, but I feel like the reflection adds a great dimension to black backgrounds.  It adds a sense of place to the subject so they aren't really floating out in the wide world with nothing to hold them down. I found that quite comforting and enjoyable.

So without further ado...My three takes on black backgrounds.

Sprite Slush

 

Harvest Corn

 

Fall Trio

Next take a peek at Stacey Siegal | Longboat Key & Bradenton FL Photographer.  She never fails to amaze!