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Dave on Why Monochrome?

In these days of instant, colourful images why are we still bothering with monochrome pictures? Living in the past some have said. There isn’t of course a simple, singular answer to that question. My feeling is that the world is somewhat instant, and that we are bombarded with colour every waking moment. We suffer from a form of visual obesity in a world where more is considered good, more must therefore be even better. Perhaps, here at the East Midlands Monochrome Group, we want to produce something now considered a little out of the ordinary; to catch, and maybe hold your eye for a millisecond longer than might otherwise be the case.

I find it so much easier to appreciate the shape, form and texture of a photographic subject if it is presented in its simplest form. Colour desaturation is one method of such simplification. Careful choice of subject matter and viewpoint are others. If an element of a picture is not essential in conveying your message then remove it, was an early, and very pertinent lesson learned.

 Please don’t think I’m anti-colour, for I’m not. Often colour is a key element in a picture which would otherwise fail without it. Autumn foliage for example, loses something when presented in black and white. However, that same colour essential to such a shot, may be camouflaging the delightful form of the tree that bears such finery. It’s our quest to release these hidden forms for your edification.

 Dave Miller