B&W tendencies

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It is the first time that I get into this website and as long as i4ve seen it I like it. The point is the cultural exchange that develops. Well, I have a doubt right now (and I am not sure if this is the correct area to put this message) anyway it is a question in which I would like many people to answer to, to know about different points of view: which are the contemporary B&W tendencies? on items such as perspective, contrast/grey details, grain, theme. thats it, Cristian Faundes from Chile.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 1997

Answers

BW tendencies

Hi Cristian welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I fully understand what you are asking, however that has never prevented me from giving my opinion. I have been looking at works from many different eras of black and white photography lately and haven't really noticed anything that different since the 1960's, as far as style goes. The only area that is new is digital manipulation and I don't think it is very popular amongst photographers. I have to admit that I am still a relative newcomer to photography so perhaps others will be able to shed more light on the subject.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 1997

The trend seems to be, and correct me someone if I'm wrong, that there is no right or wrong style. No right or wrong film, lens, perspective, idea, format. I mean it's art !!!!!! What works for some is not what works for others. It's so cool 'cause there are no boudaries. Don't try to copy another style or do formula photography...There is no limit to the types/styles/methods are combitions of the same. And guess what? They are all CORRECT (assuming exposure/focus is correct, but even THAT is debateable :-) ) Look in fashion or advertising magazines to see the current "trends". Don't be afraid to look at others work, but let you own style evolve from those ideas. Hope I wasn't sounding patronizing, just trying to get the idea across, it was a hard question.

-- Anonymous, July 17, 1997

Reply to B&W Tendencies

Hello Cristian,

I agree with the previous reply that in terms of images there has been very little change over the past 20 years or so; however, there have been changes in film, chemistry, and paper. Also, I think, The Zone System has taken hold more than it was in the past. As far as digital imaging is concerned I think the commercial photographers and seperators rely on it quite a bit. After all, you hardly ever see a photograph in a magazine of other printed publication that isn't retouch in some way and the computer is now the fastest way to accomplish that.

Ted

If you have the time please look at http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/6104

-- Anonymous, July 18, 1997


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