Share Six Blog Circle – March 2018 | Contrast

Another month, another Share Six theme! This month we’re looking at {Contrast}.

I’ll admit this theme has had me drawing a blank for quite some time. I’ve come to the conclusion that that is because there are so many opportunities within the theme: high contrast, low contrast, contrast and comparison between multiple images, deep and rich black and whites, soft matte muted tones, the juxtaposition of subject through double exposures… I mean really, the possibilities are endless! Where do I begin?

Since we moved to MA last July it is safe to say that my style has evolved into two distinct parts. On the one hand I am still documenting our lives, I think in a more successful and yet less intrusive way, but on the other I have also allowed myself more creative freedom. I find myself increasingly drawn to tone and texture and away from the high contrast light that was such a dominating factor of our previous home in the desert. The monochromatic winter, the low-contrast soft light has enthralled me:

This next image was taken during the autumn when the leaves on the trees still dominated the view from our deck. It is a view that is so calming to me, but not because of the way that it looks. A single traditional exposure shows the number of trees, layer upon layer them, and as an image that is not calming. It is busy and unstructured. It does not capture the noise of the breeze through the trees, the smell of the pine sap or the sound of birds singing and chipmunks calling. It does not capture the easing of your breath as you relax into the surroundings.

Contrary to my previous statement about being drawn to low contrast light and away from deep shadows, as I took trail through woodland recently I was struck by the zebra-like stripes of shadow that lay in front of me. I wanted to capture that texture, the contrast of light and dark, in the direction that the light fell to exaggerate the rays. As photographers we often talk about how light “falls” so I wanted the viewer to see movement in that light.

My final image in this set was taken on the trail on the same day as the previous one no more than 5 minutes later. Technically and visually, quite the contrast but still very much me.  I have been experimenting with achieving patches of focus in-camera, and I’m enjoying the post-snow return of muted colour.

Thank you for joining us for another month at Share Six. Please continue around the circle by clicking HERE. I can’t wait to see how the exceptionally talented Sharleen of Sharleen Stuart Photography interpreted this month’s theme.

Join us for this month’s theme by posting your {contrast} images on our Facebook page at SHARE SIX and to our Instagram gallery, by tagging #sharesix and #sharesix_contrast. A new theme will be posted on 6th April.