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Hi All,
I'm new to photography and would love to hear thoughts on my work.
It’s funny how once you start you can't stop and I am continually looking at things in a different way now especially as I seem to be leaning towards Black and White photography.
Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Emma.
hello welcome to the group -- I use software almost the same as silver efex pro -- but is a lot quicker to use--
from a site called the plugin site
software called BW STYLER 1.06
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A FREE TRIAL -- THEN BUY A DOWNLOAD STRAIGHT AWAY-- THEN THEY SEND YOU A DISC ALSO - SO YOU CAN INSTALL ON ANY PCs
--- all my b/w shots in the gallery -- have been through this software.
the software is about 1/ 3rd the price .
Paul.
Hello all, I have just started experimenting with black and white as a result of an assignment I'm doing for an OCA photography course. I'm currently using Lightroom and a trial version of Silver Efex Pro and really enjoying it. Good to know that there is a group like this, totally dedicated to black and white where I can come to for support and guidance. Pictures to follow soon.
Just stiil film and scanning - slight framing and editing in photoshop- takes a bit longer than digital but i like the results.
Quote: Hello to all group members-
I had my own darkroom for many years. but now have my films scanned to 18 mb raw/ tiff files from each frame.
i use my leica m4 for 35mm and a 500cm for 120 roll
Welcome aboard Paul! Are you still shooting only film or both? Have fun in the Group, feel free to ask anyine for help, exchange of ideas etc
All the best, Chris
Quote: Hi folk's glad to join the group , looking forward , to looking&learning! 
Hi Ally - welcome aboard feel free to look and ask if you want to know anything. Its a friendly Group and our "sister" Group Weekly Black and White Challenge is entertaining too - just bring your sense of humour.
I love the Dots and Lines photo! All the best
Chris
Quote: Hello all very new to this and looking to learn new things and see some amazing pictures, always been fan of Black & White so looking forward to seeing what happens here
Carl
Hi Carl! Welcome to the Group glad you like what you have seen to date and we look forward to seeing more of you! On a personal note I had a quick look at your Portfolio and saw, with envy, some shots from Dungeness! I have one very similar shot in my Portfolio from a workshop I did there last year. Its a great location and really inspiring for black and white! Look forward to seeing more, Chris
Hello to all group members-
I had my own darkroom for many years. but now have my films scanned to 18 mb raw/ tiff files from each frame.
i use my leica m4 for 35mm and a 500cm for 120 roll
Hi I am new to photography and have quickly discovered my love for black and white shots, so will hopefully be uploading some images for all to enjoy soon. Thanks
After years of being a part of epz and sitting on the sidelines thought it was time to join in.
Hello, I'm Pablo84
I shoot mainly in B&W because I can't quite get the colour shots right. I use a canon 60d and mainly use a 50mm Prime f1.8. I only have a kit lens other than that and really am nothing more than a happy enthusiast. This is my first post.
Thanks everyone
P84
Quote: I have posted an image in the gallery that is both colour and black and white. Do you think that there is a difference between this image and one that is say monochrome then Toned or hand tinted whether digitally or in the traditional method. And if so......... what?
It's a fine line between good and evil
Not sure if I've understood the question properly, but am assuming you are asking whether it is ok or right to post this sort of shot in this group?
Your presentation covers a number of differing approaches and, for, me, as long as it meets the basic principle (Black & White), then I'm quite happy to see all varieties. I'm not sure about anyone else but I tend to use the `mono enthusiasts' group for displaying new or adventurous techniques....
I have been a member for a while, but not got around to posting much however I have a question.
I have posted an image in the gallery that is both colour and black and white. Do you think that there is a difference between this image and one that is say monochrome then Toned or hand tinted whether digitally or in the traditional method. And if so......... what?
Quote: Just had a flip through the `grey' magazine. An interesting collection, but surprised how much noise there is in some of the shots. Collectively they wrok together but wouldn't give space to soem of them individually
Not quite applicable here where each shot is treated as single. Begs the question if a single shot can succeed within a body of work. INSCAPE is worth trying although its not an online publication.
Hi Peter,
I haven't been around here as much as perhaps I should!
Glad to hear that you're up for it.
There's possibly no better way to learn.
Critique ? Would be nice to receive. "Nice Photo" doesn't say a lot though. I say go ahead and give it a go Jester.......Peter
Haven't been active on epz for a while cos of other commitments but great that this group has been set up Lovely to see so many fantastic b and w images. I have been a bit inactive lately in updated my portfolio, but I'll start doing it over the next few days.
Best wishes to you all
Catherine
All of my shots, outside of this group go in the critique gallery, partly to get sensible feedback and partly to avoid the nonsensical farce that voting has become.
Consequently, I'd be happy to have mods. allowed on my images in here.
I dare say that it could be arranged.
If sufficient group members fell the same way, I'll approach the bosses.
What do you think people . . . ?
Bren.
Thanks Richard, I'm off out in a minute. I'll speak later.
Hi Bren,
I have added three, they're the only ones I have in my portfolio at the moment (and I am at work so can't get to the others).
It's a start and rather than flood the group it would be nice to hear comments so I can refine before posting more.
Looking forward to taking the B&W further.
Richard
Hi Richard, welcome aboard.
I'll look forward to seeing some of your work.
There are plenty of members here who will be happy to help and advise you.
Just ask!
Good luck,
Bren.
Hello to all, just found this group and thought, considering I seem to be getting into B&W images, I would join up and post a couple (or so).
Perhaps the experts could let me know if I am on the right track/missing the boat/doing ok.
Off to have a good look through the images now.
Richard
Hi Pauline,
You'll be made very welcome here, however frequently, or otherwise, you visit.
I don't spend anywhere near as much time here as I ought to myself!
Bren.
I love b/w, once I got into it I found it addictive. Colour is overrated in my book, textures and tones....aaaahhhh. Nice thing is, there's more than one way to produce a cracking mono image
Hello all. Nice to be here.
I take both black and white and colour photographs. As soon as my health recovers (hopefully) I shall be glad to shoot my next Kodak BCN400BW film. Currently I am using a digital camera and as you can see from my portfolio, I am not shy of turning the camera's colour setting to B&W to record the world around me.
Nice to see a B&W group!
Look forward to seeing everyones work
Laura
Hello to the black and white images group, I love black and white photography
and also enjoy making my own photograms, are photograms allowed in this group.
thank you wildlife123.
Nonur
I don't have any issue with a few sepia images. You could always consider creating a sepia group which could be linked to this group, creating a group is easy and well worth doing.
Eric,
I see a lot of, although probably not all of, your uploads but I can't critique every single one as I'd end up simply repeating myself.
I look at your images as much as anyone elses' in this group but I only comment on anybody's images if they really catch my eye or have something special about them.
Now, don't misunderstand what I've just said.
I'm not suggesting that there's anything wrong with your work but when you upload an image every day or so, it becomes very difficult to find worthile feedback on each and every image. If you look through all of the images in here, you'll find hardly any comments from me on any of them.
You'll find I make far more comments and offer much more critique in the critique gallery (have a look at my recent history) and really, that's the place you need to be uploading if you want some positive reaction.
You won't see a landslide of comments. in fact sometimes you still won't receive any. But you will receive some and those that you do receive will be worth looking at and paying attention to.
I know I've said this before but if you do decide to join us in there, please give as much information as you can about your image. Tell us why you took it, how it caught your eye, what are you trying to achieve with it. that kind of thing, plus any details relevant to the shot, shutter speed and so on or, if you don't have the EXIF, at least what type of camera you used.
All of that information will help us to critique your shots.
If uploading here's making you become negative asnd despondent, come and join us. You'll be made very welcome. You've nothing to lose and there's a huge amount to be gained.
Hope this helps.
Bren.
Hi I am new to this group, I love black and white images but I was wondering if this group will accept black and white images with a little splash of colour? I enjoy creating these images ad wanted to share. If not thats cool I'll probably create a group but if someone would kindly let me know ta x
There is still plety of photographers who enjoy B&W and with the printers getting better for B&W it will prove successful again.
I think this group is working but we really need to encourage more to join in to get the best out of it. Digital B&W is very new to me and I would hope we can get some more, experienced photographers involved it will help us all to progress. If I have the time I will trawl the gallery and put out some invites to those who have a preference to mono work.
Uploading in the gallery is fine but it is such an enormous ocean out there that my little fish just get swamped
"not being cynical here, but feels as though we're uploading because it's a B&W group and it's an alternative to the main gallery....what's the difference between uploading here and uploading a mono to the main gallery (the frequency, perhaps?)".
Speaking personally, I upload to the B&W group and often upload the same image to the main gallery (and sometimes to the critique gallery).
"just wondering what people think they will get of of this group and whether it can be improved?
[/quote]
One of my main photographic interests is mono and would prefer to upload my mono images here amongst like minded photographers.
I also enjoy looking at other mono work for inspiration. I think the B&W or Colour forum is a step in the right direction to spark discussion on the merits (or otherwise) of Mono.
Quote seems to not be working (or maybe me)
Quote: If you want critique, why not ask for it when uploading (add it to the title).
I agree that's a way forward, but do you not think that the majority of the uploads are `just' mono shots...not being cynical here, but feels as though we're uploading because it's a B&W group and it's an alternative to the main gallery....what's the difference between uploading here and uploading a mono to the main gallery (the frequency, perhaps?). In the `reality' group (and I'm not suggesting this is the panacea) we have a monthly theme and though often it runs out of steam, it is a great sources of inspiration.
just wondering what people think they will get of of this group and whether it can be improved?
I would comment on uploads if the uploader asked for constructive comment on a specific aspect ie composition, conversion etc.
It would also encourage me to comment on a particular image if the uploader stated why the picture was taken, what they think can be improved etc.
My normal practice is to pass comment on images that I particularly like or I find interesting.
I am no expert but am happy to share any knowledge and experience I have gained over the years and to encourage others.
Of course there is the critique gallery for constructive critique.
If you want critique, why not ask for it when uploading (add it to the title).
Quote: but not very helpful to beginners.
What would make it more helpful?
It would be helpful if people make it clear when they upload the image what they are looking for ie a comment, a crit, a blunt crit, etc. I've done a crits on images here only to find the imaged deleted shortly afterwards which makes you think why bother. Time is often a big factor for me and don't have time to write crits and comments everyday but do try to catch up with many of the images.
Jeff, You write - 'Why so few comments?' and I ask the same, I being new to
B&W, and in fact to Digital. Have put many photographs up on this site hoping
for comments on them, so that i could get an Idea where I was going, but most
of them did not get any, so after a time I took them off, I feel this is a
good group, but not very helpful to beginners. Eric.
Why so few comments? Let's have a heated debate....find it a little strange that although there is a good flow of uploads to this group there is very little comment? 
What makes a good B&W shot?
What should we be looking to achieve?
What's the difference between shooting in colour and converting and shooting in pure mono?
Not sure I understand the difference
a quick google brought me to this quote:
Quote: close attention to composition, lighting, perspective and the context it is shot in are important.
Do you agree? and perhaps the weekly challenges should be geared to a particular technique of B&W photography...What do you think?
ive not been on epz for a long time, so groups are new to me, ive always been into b&w, so this group gets my support,mike.
Quote: Paddy. I had noticed that your two did not receive Comment, and at least three of mine, which I
had put forward for Comment only received none, two did and the one entered did. I saw no sign
of anyone doing any shopping on the winning photograph, and myself feel that your 2nd entry
was better than the winning shot. sorry to read you will not enter again, that will be the groups loss. Eric.
Have had a look back at the entries and can only assume that because the headers didn't actually say `B&W Challenge' that they weren't picked up for inclusion. Seems a pity that we haven't quite got this right and certainly don't want to alienate anyone (what would be the point?). The theme last week was `Retail Therapy' (e.g. `Shopping') and therefore my shot wasn't actually a shot of anyone shopping, but more people taking a break from shopping (a therapy in itself?). I don't contend that it was the best (of the mere 4 included) but then the idea of this themed approach is that the judge for the week makes heir own mind up...much like the `Guest Editors Award'.
Hope you'll give it another try
jeff
Paddy. I had noticed that your two did not receive Comment, and at least three of mine, which I
had put forward for Comment only received none, two did and the one entered did. I saw no sign
of anyone doing any shopping on the winning photograph, and myself feel that your 2nd entry
was better than the winning shot. sorry to read you will not enter again, that will be the groups loss. Eric.
Rick
Can I just make the point that it would be helpful if people can state that their uploaded photo is for the weekly challenge? I had a sneaky peak just now and thought there were a couple there, but one of them said it was NOT for the weekly challenge!
Thanks, Peter
Eric, I'm not sure your if your comments is about this B&W group or epz generally.
If you are wanting crits on your uploads here please write that in the description and try to be specific about what you looking for ie how can i improve the composion or why area been burnt out etc. It worth remembering that is a busy time of year and not everyone has time to comment straight away or on every image. You can also learn a lot about black and white photography yourself by looking at the work of other black and white photographers, reading some of the forum comments ie what makes a good black and white.
I'm not a long term B&W worker, I got into B&W photography about two years ago and have tried to read up and find out as much about B&W photography as i can and found EPZ a useful resource.
I've always found EPZ critique gallery really good and it helped me improve my photography. Another group you may be interested in is the tell it how it is group. EPZ has good technique guides and video section as well.
Hope that helps, off to comment on a couple of your shots.....
Rick
I think it is a pity that there are so many photographs put up on this site which receive no
comments, how long before those who submit them, start to think I am wasting my time, I for
one would sooner hear 'It is total rubbish, burn it.' than to be left wondering what others think
of it, could I have done something to better it. come on you long time B&W workers, pass on
a few ideas to those who are wanting to try. Eric.
REMINDER The theme for this weeks Black and white challenge is Entrance. Upload to the group before 8pm Wednesday.
Details can be found here
Quote: REMINDER. The theme for this weeks BLACK & WHITE WEEKLY CHALLENGE is STILL LIFE.
Upload to the group before 8PM WEDNESDAY.
Will try night and should have something to upload on wednesday
Peter, Thank you for your reply and the 2 comments on Photos posted. You write --
PS Nobody comments on MY efforts either -- maybe because they are not 'Digital' on a £2000 odd Digital Nikon or Canon and have not had the 'HRD' treatment in PhotoShop -- but I keep trying!!
Mine are Digital, taken on a S/h Compact ( cost about £35 with postage), I do not know what 'HRD' treatment is, all I can do is change to Gray scale and play with lighting & contrast.
With regard to joining a group, this is not possable for me, there is one at the otherside of town,
but there are no buses running at that time ( they hold meetings) of night from here, secondly and more important for me they charge about £8 to 10 for each meeting attended, if I had that
type of money, I would buy a better camera with it.Sadly I live on Income Support. Thanks again.
Eric.
Quote: I continue to try to get better with the B&W, posting on here most of my attempts, but sadly
no one appears to want to comment on them, how can I advance ? Eric.
Why not join your local Camera Club / Photographic Society ? That's what I did in 1951 -- first the East Ham Grammar School Photo-Soc then the South Essex Camera Club where I was until it folded in 1959 ( I was the youngest member) then Barking PS where I was for over 30 years and became President, then Brentwood Photo-Club where I am Past President and teach the Beginners, same as I was taught all those years ago !
PS Nobody comments on MY efforts either -- maybe because they are not 'Digital' on a £2000 odd Digital Nikon or Canon and have not had the 'HRD' treatment in PhotoShop -- but I keep trying!!
Hello Gypsyman.
If you can afford I`d get a new laptop, say a Dell or Toshiba. Don`t get one loaded with Windows Vista-I use XP but I understand Windows 7 is quite good or get an Apple laptop and load it with Aperture for photos. They are more expensive but users swear by them. Things have moved on a bit in the last 18 years!
Hope this helps,
Paddy
This weeks weekly B&W challenege ends in one day, hopefully a few people will enter the challenege
Pete, It is interesting to read how good you are at Photography and how old your computer is,
but that does not help me at all. I had asked for advice on my second attempt at B&W, you found
it, but did not say, I can only guess that it fell so low against your standard that you could not find words for it. with regard to computers, the one I have is now over 18 years old, will not take the new windows programmes, and has no room on its small H/d to d/load photo progammes on.
If you have seen some of my other forum posts, I tried 2 weeks ago to d/l one, only to jamb up the computer, it has been uninstalled but the computer crashes out 2 or 3 times a day.
Please if you have the time, tell me how I can better my attempts, and then to throw my second
attempt on the fire. Sincerely yours Eric.
Gypsyman : you should put your photos into the 'Photos' section of thisa Group NOT in the 'Forum'-- I searched the 'Photos' section and could not find it anywhere then found it in the 'Forum Section' you mention your Computer is very 'old' well , this one is a 'TIME' Computer donated by my Sister-in-Law about 8 years ago and it must be 12 years old or more but still is accurate for colour balance.
This weeks black & white weekly challenge end 1st December at 8pm
Theme: Movement see here for all the details.
Quote: Recieved 6 notifications of a new B&W pic "Old Shack at Dungeness" but the site informs me the pic is not available. Any ideas why this should be? Cheers.
I think there were a few issues with the upload of that image which resulted in several duplicates. The orginal images is in the B&W gallery and can be found here
Hi all
Recieved 6 notifications of a new B&W pic "Old Shack at Dungeness" but the site informs me the pic is not available. Any ideas why this should be? Cheers.
In trying to upload a B&W photo there was a page that kept coming up saying 'Site Not Avavilable,try again later' and I kept trying to upload over about an hour then gave up .. This morning I find THREE photos the SAME in the Group Photos and although I click on 'Delete' I can't get rid of two of them -- what happened with the ePHOTOzine site ?
I have just found this Group and joined through making a Post in the group 'Forum' about Black and White in the Darkroom so you can read my 'History' in there instead of repeating it here !
ALL my 'Black and White' is on REAL FILLUM Folks -- I have NEVER done a 'Black and White' DIGITAL (UGH !!! )
I do too - any helpful suggestions gratefully received as well as nice critisisms on photos too. All I need to do now is a little more practice.
I hope this can become an active and interesting group.
I've recently cleared out my portfolio - just felt like I needed a fresh start - but will start uploading again soon, and will hopefully make a useful contribution here.
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