Let me begin by saying that I am not an avid user of Facebook. (When I was in college, people still used typewriters for term papers!) Some years ago, however, I realized that FB was a simple way to keep up with or reconnect with relatives/friends, especially those who live in different cities and time zones around the world.
Recently, I noticed a thing on FB called the Black and White Photo Challenge. Simply said, people would post a B/W photo of their everyday life, for seven consecutive days, and challenge a friend each day to do the same. No people. No explanations.
For someone who has always loved photography, this challenge struck me as interesting. And then a dear friend from the UK challenged me.
The word “Challenge” was thought-provoking. I took it not as a contest or competition, but rather as a self-reflection. Which of my photos represent my life?
I have always loved photography and have taken thousands of photos over the years. Before I posted my first photo, I took time rolling through years of them. It was soon clear to me that not all color photos express their meaning well in black and white, while some black and white photos lose their impact in color.
After some time, I created a file with more photos than I needed, then chose one for each of the seven days.
Rarely do I leave home knowing what I might photograph, yet I’ve always felt that I see the world through pictures. We stop frequently on our walks and thankfully, Len is very patient, only to share later, “Wow, I didn’t see that at all.”
Photos of my life. No people….and then I remembered something Ansel Adams, American photographer and environmentalist, said:
There are always two people in every picture:
the photographer and the viewer.
Photos of my life. No explanations…and then something else Ansel Adams said:
“A true photograph need not be explained,
nor can it be contained in words.”
And so I share a few more photos with you. No people. No explanations.
©blogginginitaly.com
And now my challenge to you – If you have a phone, camera or computer full of photos, and a bit of time, try it yourself. Look through some of your photos and select seven that represent your life. If in color, adjust them to B/W. And remember…No people. No explanation needed.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
Loved the challenge, Judy. Thanks for challenging me!
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So glad you joined. Loved your comment to me about being in the moment.
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You really are talented Judy. I love the last one with the birds.
Can’t join the challenge I am afraid. When I took photography in college it was black and white film. I had a darkroom at home and developed the neg in tanks, and made my own prints learning how to dodge and burn in areas. I can’t look at digital photography the same way.
It is your color sense I really love but have fun with the B&W.
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Jean, thanks for your comments. I totally understand as I took several post college classes and had a dark room in my apartment building. I still have a few of the photos I developed and printed – such fun and such great memories. But I have rather easily adapted to digital – never quite the same but no mess, no smell.
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Ah but if you smelled the developer and fixer again it would take you right back in time.
Such is the power of the olfactory connection to memory.
Something’s lost and something’s gained with Digital as you point out.
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Stimulating and thought
Provoking
Immensely enjoyed
Thank you
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I’m interested in your results should you decide to take up my challenge!
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Just stunning. You have an extraordinary eye, and I love seeing the world through your lens. xx
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Thanks so much, Loren. Love knowing you are watching! xo
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Beautifully written, Judy. Your photos are gorgeous!
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Thanks, Melinda!
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Beautiful photos. The Facebook challenge also piqued my interest, but as of yet I haven’t acted on it.
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Thanks and I recommend it!
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