A young family member recently began to take an interest in photography. She started with a Fuji Instax camera and is in the process of decorating her room with photos of her friends and their exploits, finding lots of innovative ways of displaying her images. Her gift request for birthdays and Christmas has been Instax film for her camera and she has a few projects in the pipeline! As well as enjoying the instant nature of the Instax, she is now beginning to take an interest in using her phone camera and she is undoubtedly showing a flair for photography. I am delighted to see a young person taking an interest in photography and I would encourage anyone who likes photography to pursue that interest as I firmly believe that it is something which might start out as a hobby but which can become a lifelong source of enjoyment. During the recent difficult year I have found photography to be a great support, nurturing my creative side, keeping me physically active and giving me an outlet to help me cope with the ups and downs of the year. Last year I wrote this blog calling photography the gift that keeps on giving. I had just read an article about a psychologist who advises clients suffering from depression to take up photography. The article got me thinking – what is it about photography that would help someone who suffers from depression? In my blog I wrote: I may not be able to answer that question in a scientific way but I would agree, from my own experience, that there is a connection between photography and well-being. In the simplest terms, photography forces us out of ourselves into the world in search of photo opportunities, therefore helping us to take the focus off ourselves and our worries. It encourages us to become more attentive to what is happening around us and to pay attention to the little things that exist in the world. It enables us to appreciate the beauty which is in our midst or to find beauty in the ordinary or mundane. There is no such thing as failure in photography, just learning opportunities. It can become a great motivator and a pathway to a new creativity. Becoming more observant is one of the key skills which a budding photographer needs to practise. A spin-off is that becoming more observant is also a great life skill, and in a world where we seem to be constantly rushing from a to b, and where we increasingly pass our spare time lost in our own thoughts or (worse!) checking our phones, becoming more attentive to the world around us is a life skill that is very much required, and one which is also conducive to increased well-being. But are claims for a link between photography and well-being backed up by research? Interestingly, some research has been done by Dr Liz Brewster of Lancaster University and Dr Andrew Cox of the University of Sheffield who concluded that taking a photo each day and posting it online supports improved well-being. They reported that, ‘taking a moment to be mindful, and looking for something different or unusual in the day were seen as positive well-being benefits of the practice.’ (www.sciencedaily.com) Some additional benefits were that it ‘led to more exercise and gave a sense of purpose, competence and achievement.’ After interviews with a number of participants in the study, who valued things such as communication within the online community, having a reason for getting out and getting some exercise and memory making, the researchers made the claim that the practice of photography is "an active process of meaning making, in which a new conceptualisation of well-being emerges." This may be very theoretical but I think it does show how the practice of photography can benefit our well-being. In our photography practice we are encouraged to slow down, to appreciate the environment around us, to make the most of any situation and to strive to present our vision to others. We aim to show others the world in ways they haven’t seen before, in ways that are unique to us as photographers. In our photography practice we are given opportunities to experiment, to try new approaches and to become more creative in our lives. Photographer Megan Kennedy, writing a blog on the therapeutic qualities of photography for www.digital-photography-school.com, makes the point very well: “Photography opens an inexhaustible amount of doors, providing opportunities to explore, travel, experiment and grow experience. It also helps form relationships with different places and subjects, leading to tangible locations that are a haven for low days. A valuable self-care technique”. "Taking a picture means aligning your head, eyes and heart. It is a way of life." - Henri Cartier-Bresson My own photography journey has taken me to new and unexpected locations, and often invited conversations with the people I have met. I have spent many happy hours wandering around new places, camera at the ready, observing, admiring and, at times, coming away with a few photos. Even if those photos are not so good, I come away with memories and new experiences, both of which I consider to be invaluable gifts. Photography and Mindfulness Becoming quiet in ourselves, being more attentive to sights, sounds and feelings, to the moment that is, are attributes associated with mindfulness and they are also attributes associated with photography. Photography helps us to slow down, take time, be patient, be present in the moment, look at life from a new perspective, and can make lasting changes to our outlook. In some sense, both the photographer and the person practising mindfulness receive the moment as it is, without trying to change it. While many photographers try to capture extraordinary beauty, and these subjects in turn make for beautiful images, there is also value in celebrating the ordinary, finding beauty in the mundane and translating this into our images. This shot focused on a single flower, its beauty and delicate nature, the exquisite details so often not seen. Photography can help us appreciate the true beauty of nature and bring that beauty to others. Winter can be a time when it becomes more difficult to get outside and many people suffer from seasonal effective disorder, where they find their mood dips during the darker days of winter. It is important for our physical and mental well-being to get outside as much as possible during the winter and to take advantage of whatever sunshine is available. This can be hard to do without a specific purpose, but heading out to capture some photographs can provide that purpose. I love to go for a walk on a crisp winter day and see the bare trees silhouetted against a clear sky or catch a raindrop glistening in the early morning sun. There is nothing so awe-inspiring as a stroll through a frost covered landscape and to feel the crunch of the frosty ground underfoot. Appreciation of these aspects of winter, as well as actual walks in the early morning sunshine on those frosty winter mornings, help to raise serotonin levels and chase away the winter blues. The addition of a camera to capture those magic winter moments is an extra bonus. Photography as an aid to reflection Many aids to reflection and meditation use photography as their basis. Beautiful photography of stunning scenes helps to calm our minds and heighten our awareness and appreciation of the beauty we see. On the other hand, there is an argument that taking out a camera to capture a stunning vista actually spoils the meditative moment, and to some degree this is true, particularly if we are constantly pulling out a phone camera to grab ‘that great shot'. Yet I find that building a constant practice of photography does help me to stand and stare more often and resist the urge to take a picture every time. I recently came across the term meditative photography, which sounds like a contradiction in terms since photography is very much an outward pursuit while meditation is a journey inwards. Yet these two concepts do have something in common. I have often found myself being in awe of the beauty of a scene before I even try to capture that beauty. Who could fail to appreciate the amazing colours of the sky at sunrise or sunset even while knowing that a photograph can never do them justice? Who is not in awe of the power of the sea as it crashes on the rocks, an image that can never be accurately captured in camera even though we might try to do just that? I was walking along just before sunset on a crisp winter evening, admiring the changing colours of the sky. My first impulse was not to grab a photo but to stop and stare. I did take out my phone before leaving to capture the moment and the memory, and the sharing of these pictures adds to the sense of awe I feel at the beauty of nature. Being in the moment Photography encourages us to be in the moment- to give our full attention to what is happening right now. It is the only moment we have, and in photography, if we miss the moment it is gone forever. That’s not to say that another equally good moment won’t come along, but we do have to become attentive if we want to capture the interplay of subject, composition and light that makes a good photograph. For Anthony Epes, photographer and teacher, the biggest gift of photography is that it gives us the opportunity, in every single moment, to be awake to life. Because, you can’t see and capture good photos unless you're connected to what's happening around you, in the present moment. And what a gift photography is in the pursuit of presence. It gives us the excuse to be paying attention to the world around us. It gives us an excuse to reject a life of incessant doing. To sit, wander, walk, explore - and just look. And when you are looking - you are looking with full engagement with what you are looking at. Master photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson also talked about photography being something that happens in the present: “Of all the means of expression, photography is the only one that fixes a precise moment in time.” In photography and in life, we need to seize the moment! The sharing community Often, the culmination of our photography process is sharing our images with others. Nowadays, with the myriad of social media sites on which to share our photographs, it is easy to present our photographs not just to those who know us, but much further afield. Whether we share on Instagram or other social media platform, or have our own website or online gallery, we want to display our best images, appreciate our own work in progress and strive for improvement. An ‘audience’ for our work, though often not seen, can help us to think outside of ourselves, be aware of the preferences of others while staying true to our own vision and accept comment and suggestion when given in a supportive environment. Displaying and presenting our photography work online can help us develop and improve as photographers and gain a better sense of our own work. Selecting images for display can be a powerful act in itself as it forces us to evaluate and critique our own work, which can be a great learning experience. Having said that, I do believe that we need to choose our online communities carefully as we don’t want to belong to communities who offer overly harsh criticism or whose work is way above the level of our own work. I like sites that use the 1-2-3 Rule, where participants are encouraged, for every photo they upload, to comment on at least two other photos and like at least three photos. Comments in these communities are usually positive and supportive and often offer valuable insights to others. Conclusion Photography as an art form has much to teach us and many gifts to give. It can be a great boost to our self-esteem when we achieve what we set out to achieve but it can also help us to be kind to ourselves when we don’t reach the mark. Often our ‘failures’ are the best teachers and I often look again at the images that I initially rejected to see what I do like about them and how they can be used to improve my future pictures. But without doubt it is our achievements that give us our greatest rewards; the photographs that meet our expectations, the images that capture exactly the look we were after, the compositions that are pleasing to the eye and that we are proud to share. These images reward our tenacity, our determination to keep going despite our failures, the hard work and long hours we put in to perfecting our craft. But despite the end result, it is the actual act of taking the picture that gives me the greatest pleasure, that moment when I have chosen my subject, framed that subject in the best way I can and then I click that shutter button. A magic moment! “You just have to live and life will give you pictures.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

Are you looking for something special for the photography lover in your life? Here are my pick of the year's best photography books, plus an extra special treat for the senses. The Skelligs: Islands on the Edge of the World Peter Cox Photography Peter Cox is a photographer based in Co. Cork who has produced stunning images of many of the world’s most iconic places, yet, for him, nothing matches the dramatic beauty of the Skellig Islands. He says, “I’ve travelled all over the world, I’ve photographed in Greenland, Antarctica, Iceland. The Skelligs is probably my favourite place to photograph — it is a place that is very special to me personally, but also photographically.” The Skelligs Islands, two uninhabited, rocky islets located off the Kerry coast, were originally a settlement to a community of monks, and the larger islet, Skellig Michael, has a well preserved early Christian monastery. More recently, the magnificence of the islands was revealed to the world through the filming of Star Wars on the islands. In 1996 the World Heritage Committee granted Skellig Michael the title of World Heritage site, an honour which raised the profile of the islands internationally and which has resulted in thousands of visitors to the Skelligs every year. My own vivid memory is of travelling around the islands during the summer and seeing some of the thousands of puffins which use Skellig Michael as their breeding ground, as well as viewing the colony of gannets which make their home on Little Skellig. Cox’s book includes amazing images of the islands, some taken at night. Through his images, Cox says, he tried to communicate what it would have been like for the monks living on the islands; tried to see what they saw, experience what they experienced. As is evident from the quality images in his book, Cox believes in the primacy of composition. Interestingly he remarked in an interview that, “A mobile phone image thoughtfully taken and well-composed will be far better than a carelessly taken picture with a state-of-the-art camera.” These images are indeed thoughtfully taken and well composed and will make a beautiful gift for all photography lovers. https://petercox.ie/products/the-skelligs-islands-on-the-edge-of-the-world Twilight Together Ruth Medjber This book, which was shortlisted for the An Post 2020 Book of the Year award, does indeed document the extraordinary year that was 2020. When the country, along with much of the world, went into lockdown in March, life changed dramatically for everyone. No longer were we allowed to travel, visit loved ones, celebrate special events or have gatherings of friends or family in our homes. Older people and those with medical vulnerabilities had to ‘cocoon’ at home, while many workers had to make the change to home working. Frontline workers were the heroes who kept our hospital system running, while all sorts of community initiatives were rolled out to try to ease the difficult situation in which we suddenly found ourselves. Families waved to each other through windows and this image, more than anything, became a symbol which represented the pandemic. In her book Twilight Together: Portraits of Ireland at Home, Irish photographer Ryth Medjber has produced a series of images portraying a nation peering through their front windows at dusk - a nation in lockdown. There are people from every generation; people on their own, couples, people in families, each with their own story to tell, many of them heartbreaking stories, and each image suggests that story. This is a visually stunning and poignant book, documenting a pivotal year in the history of our country and our world. https://www.irishbookawards.irish/nominee/twilight-together/ Old Ireland in Colour John Breslin & Sarah-Anne Buckley In this book, images depicting Irish life in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have been collected and lovingly restored and colourised to bring them to life and accessible to a whole new generation. The photographs are from all walks of life, ranging from an iconic image of the well-known explorer Tom Crean to images of simple country folk going about their daily business; from Civil War scenes to the simplicity of life on the islands. With over 170 images from all four provinces, covering many aspects of the Irish people, their society, culture and land, this book provides a stunning chronicle of the rich history of Ireland and the Irish abroad. Enhanced with captions from co-author Dr. Sarah-Anne Buckley, this is a beautiful book of photography, and while I love some of the images in their original black and white, they do become much more vivid through the colour restoration. Without doubt, whether you are a lover of history, a lover of photography or simply a lover of Ireland, this is a book to treasure. https://irishacademicpress.ie/product/old-ireland-in-colour/ Bird Photographer of the Year Bird Photographer of the Year Collection 5 is the 2020 version of the book which accompanies the annual Bird Photographer of the Year competition, an event which showcases and celebrates some of the best bird photographs captured during the year. The book includes the winning and short-listed images from the competition and includes some of the finest bird photography from around the world. It is a large-format book, and this format brings to life some stunning bird photography. See https://www.bookdepository.com/author/Bird-Photographer-Of-The-Year for copies of all five Bird Photographer of the Year books. American Gardens Monty Don and Derry Moore A collaboration between Britain’s much loved celebrity horticulturalist Monty Don and renowned photographer Derry Moore has resulted in a beautiful book of photographs to complement the BBC television series in which the pair travel across America to discover the gardens and outdoor spaces at the heart of American history. Their trip takes them to places as diverse as the slave garden at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate and the urban outdoor space that is New York’s Central Park, taking in all classes of garden in between. For anyone who enjoys viewing images of beautiful gardens this book is a feast for the eyes, giving a unique view of some of America’s most celebrated open spaces. As the introduction states, there is no cohesive answer to the question, 'What is an American garden?' The term, like the people who inhabit this culturally diverse place, cannot be accurately defined but through words and pictures Don and Moore provide a flavour of what the term might mean, while the accompanying text adds a depth of meaning to the exquisite images. https://www.kennys.ie/shop/American-Gardens-Monty-Don Bonus Book The Dublin Art Book: The City Through the Eyes of its Artists While not a photography book, this is still a book that will be appreciated by artists of all kinds. It is, as its title suggests, a series of art works depicting life in Dublin city. Ranging from famous landmarks such as the historic Trinity College to the hustle and bustle of O’Connell Street on a rainy day, from the James Joyce statue to the iconic GPO, contemporary Dublin artists highlight their city, and their vision of their city, with a beautiful art collection which will be appreciated by anyone who loves art as well as anyone who loves the city of Dublin and its people. In his foreward to the book, curator and art collector Brent Pope states, “What better way to celebrate Dublin’s art culture than through the eyes of 55 inspirational local artists, who have helped mould this city. A unique blend of artists from different generations, cultures and perspectives, that have in so many different ways been able to express just what Dublin means to them.” Dublin city has provided me with many opportunities to take candid photographs, capturing life as it happens I love this book; it is a celebration of every aspect of Dublin, seen through the eyes of its talented artists. A city rich in history and culture is portrayed in all its beauty, from the historical to the modern, with each artist representing the city in their own unique style to give a flavour of their Dublin for locals and visitors alike. "We need to see the places we live in through the eyes of artists... to look up and see the beauty." ― Cathy Davey, Musician https://www.kennys.ie/shop/the-dublin-art-book-the-city-through-the-eyes-of-its-artists-the-city-seen-through-the-eyes-of-its-artists If you found this post useful please share it.

How do we create the best possible black and white version of our image? In part 1 of this article I looked at some of the considerations involved in deciding which photographs would look better in black and white than colour. Variables such as the amount of contrast between the darks and lights, the variety of grey tones, whether it has strong shapes and textures and whether black and white or colour suits the composition best are all things to consider. Although the foreground is out of focus, I think there is enough strong contrast to make this image look good in black and white Once we have chosen an image that we think would look better in black and white, the next consideration is to ask, how do we do that? There are a few options available to us, but it is important to note that good black and white images are not just colour photos with the saturation turned down. Good black and white images require some thought and creative work in post processing. When looking for potential black and white images it is helpful, when out shooting, to try and see in black and white, to imagine what the scene will look like in black and white, to think about whether it will have enough contrast, whether it has strong lines, patterns or shapes, whether there is texture in the scene to work with. One suggestion often made is to use the monochrome option on the camera and to shoot in raw + JPEG. This will give us the opportunity to check the image on the screen as we shoot to see how it appears in black and white. This option will also give us the information provided by the raw file for editing in black and white as well as having the colour image if that is our preference for the image. Editing our images When we look at the black and white images of the photography masters we become aware that the use of right framing and precise timing of the shot ensured that they got the image right in-camera rather than relying on post processing. Today, most of us shoot in colour and convert our images to black and white later. This involves a careful consideration of the image to see if it suitable for black and white conversion. Simply converting a colour image to greyscale or pulling down the saturation slider will most likely produce a dull, flat result. It may be that the image did not contain enough contrasting colours to begin with, but even if the image has good contrast it will still benefit from being edited specifically for black and white. Images can be converted from colour to black and white in different ways So, what does edit for black and white involve? The first thing I usually do is check the white balance on the colour image, do a small amount of editing in the basic panel such as adjusting the contrast and the dark and light sliders. I might then go to the tone curve, which deepens shadows and brightens the lighter parts of the image, thereby straightaway adding a little more contrast. It is important not to overdo the contrast and a good rule of thumb is to realise that if the image is a good one to begin with it will need only slight processing in order to be a good black and white photo. What we need to have is a wide range of greys and to work on tonal separation in our editing work. Tones can get lost very easily when working in black and white so tonal separation is important. This can be achieved to a good extent using the HSL panel. Below is a simple editing process I used to convert a number of colour images to black and white, with some variations to suit the particular image and the effect I wanted to achieve. The editing process from colour image - Sample 1 White Balance - adjusted as necessary to achieve correct white balance Basic Panel - raised contrast slightly Tone curve – brightened lights, deepened shadows to create more contrast (creates S curve) HSL panel: Saturation - lowered each slider to reduce saturation Luminance - adjusted each relevant colour The editing process from colour image - Sample 2 I used a similar process, starting with the colour image and reducing the saturation of each colour in the HSL panel. I then cropped the image to incorporate the rule of thirds in the composition The editing process using black and white filter To edit this image I started by selecting Black and White tab under Treatment Tone Curves - I brought up the lights and decreased the darks Black and White Mix Panel - adjusted sliders to right or left to see how each colour would convert to black and white, for example, pulling the blue slider will control how dark the cloud will be (see examples below) Being able to change how individual colours convert into grayscale tones gives greater control over our black and white conversion and can improve the impact of our final image. Basic Panel - returned to basic panel and adjusted exposure, contrast, highlights and shadows, trying to avoid areas that are very dark or blown-out highlights. In this case detail in the dark area of the ship was not required. In the image below I made the adjustments as above for colour photo and added post crop vignette ___________________________________________________________________________________________ This post is one of a series of posts on black and white editing. In my next post I will take a look at split toning, which is a simple way of being creative with our images. Link to part 1 below https://www.wildwillowways.com/post/black-and-white-photography-made-easy-part-1 Further reading For a more professional article on black and white editing check out: https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/editing-black-white-photos

I remember my first photos, taken with a black and white film camera, and they were less than impressive shots. My abiding memory is of images that were flat and grey, with very little variation in tone, and I was delighted when colour film became the norm. Today I realise the reason for these lacklustre black and white images. There was no emphasis on any of the elements that make a good photograph, let alone a good black and white photograph, it was simply point and shoot and hope for the best. Having said that, I do remember a photo I took of my bicycle (my pride and joy at the time) placed against a wall. It may have been accidental, but I did compose the photograph so that the dark bicycle stood out against the lighter background, and it may have been that contrast between dark and light that helps me remember the image today. Although my own efforts at achieving good black and white photographs were not very successful, due to lack of knowledge and decent equipment, the concept of black and white photography has always interested me. Many of the photographs that I have been drawn to over the years have been black and white images. I love the simplicity that lack of colour offers, but also the richness which this can bring to an image. Although they don’t appeal to everyone, I really like the black and white street images of Vivian Maier. They are a record of a place and time and, in my opinion, they are more effective as black and white images than they would be had Vivian Maier had access to colour film http://www.vivianmaier.com/gallery/street-1/. I feel the same about the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, named the father of candid photography, whose iconic black and white images are revered by photographers all over the globe. Even though Cartier-Bresson was shooting with black and white film, his photographs have strong composition which was a result of waiting until all the elements took shape before taking his shot, and this was one of the keys to the success of his images. Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare (1932), named by Time magazine as one of the 100 images that changed the world, is considered to be one of Cartier-Bresson’s best images. In the photograph a man leaps across a puddle of water, while the action is mirrored on a poster behind him. The dark figure against the light background immediately draws your eye, as does the reflection in the water. When photographers didn’t have the advantage of using colour in their images, they had to produce fantastic shots to capture their audience. On examination of this image you can see all the various photography techniques used by this master photographer http://100photos.time.com/photos/henri-cartier-bresson-behind-gare-saint-lazare As is obvious from these and many other iconic images by some of the world’s best photographers, black and white photography is an accomplished art and not an area in which all photographers will do well. As a learner I have just about dipped my toe into this area as, although I love to look at good black and white photographs, I am well aware that black and white images are not simply colour photographs ‘de-saturated’. While this may be one method of achieving the desired effects, creating a good, as opposed to a mediocre, black and white photograph involves much more. It is for this reason that I have been reluctant to try black and white photography but, with some research into what makes a good black and white image, study of the black and white ‘masters’ and lessons from a photographer who works mainly in black and white, I have made some attempts to produce my own black and white images. I have divided this article into two parts. Part 1 will consider how you decide which images will look good in black and white and part 2 will consider how, once you have chosen the image, you can begin to create the best possible black and white version of that image. How do you decide which image will make a good black and white photograph? The first thing I realised about this type of photography is that not all images look good in black and white. Although some photographers shoot exclusively in black and white, for many it will be a case of assessing images to see which would make good black and white photos. So, the first question we need to ask is, do some photos lend themselves to black and white better than others? The answer to this, of course, is yes. A good black and white image begins when you frame your shot. Colour is important in a black and white image because of the way colours convert into grayscale. Using complementary colours in our compositions, like red and green, blue and yellow, will give good tonal contrast when you convert your image to black and white. Beginning with an image that has good tonal contrast makes processing easier as it saves pushing the sliders too far, which can affect the quality of the image. I captured this as a colour image but felt it had the potential to make a good black and white conversion. The strong contrast in the foreground means the different elements stand out Whether we take our shots intentionally as black and white images, or want to convert our colour images to black and white in post processing, there are a few important variables to consider. 1. Contrast As mentioned above, good black and white photographs need good contrast. It is widely accepted that the best black and white photographs will have some portion of the photo near to pure black and some portion near to pure white. This provides contrast between the darkest blacks and the lightest whites. Since not every photograph translates well into black and white we need to learn to ‘see in black and white’, to see good contrast between dark and light, to notice all the shades of grey that an image should have if it is to become a decent black and white image. In other words, seeing in black and white is being able to judge whether a subject will make a good black and white image. Looking back, my early images with my kodak camera had no contrast to speak of; they did not have varying tones of grey and I didn’t know to look for that type of contrast. As a result, the images often looked flat and dull. Today it is easier, with all the vibrant colours in the world around us, to seek out contrasting tones for our compositions. Even in a landscape of trees, there will be many shades to allow for tonal contrast. 2. Shapes and lines When you remove colour from an image, shapes and lines become more important. A silhouette shows how, without colour, we rely on shape to identify an object. Shapes are particularly important in a black and white image as they help to make sense of the photograph. Strong lines and patterns also lend themselves well to black and white photography as they give us elements that will stand out and provide contrast to lighter elements. In this image there did not seem to be good contrast in the original colour version but there was something about the subject that made me want to try it as a black and white image. The simplicity of the subject set against the desolate landscape and the line of posts leading the eye to the lighthouse in the distance, do, to some extent, make it a candidate for black and white conversion 3. Texture Textures really stand out in a black and white image and they can serve to create contrast. Texture can also create emotion in a black and white image. Smoother textures create a calmer, more balanced mood in the photo while a rough texture, such as a wave crashing on the rocks, can add to the intensity and drama of an image. In black and white this image appears very cold and gives a lonely feeling, and that might be the effect that is required in certain situations Sky can provide good texture for b&w images 4. Shadows Shadows are more significant in a black and white photo than they are in a colour image. In a black and white image, shadows are given equal visual weight to the other elements, while in a colour image the subject is given more visual weight. For this reason, shadows add a greater visual impact and sense of drama to a black and white image. 5. Composition A good black and white photograph is not good simply because it is black and white. As with all the iconic black and white photographs that we have been given over time, composition is key to a good black and white photograph. Composition is important in all types of photography. When we pay attention to composition, we are deciding how we want to place elements in our image, how we want our image to look. We make decisions about main subject, supporting elements, foreground, background and light. In black and white photography composition is equally important as, in addition to these considerations, we will also want to include contrast, shape, texture and shadows to the best effect. If we begin to ‘think in black and white’ it can help us decide how best to compose our image. A leading line is a common compositional tool. In this black and white image it can be used to add to the drama created by the menacing clouds 6. Emotion Most of the iconic black and white images are full of emotion. The classic image, Migrant Mother by Dorothea Lange http://100photos.time.com/photos/dorothea-lange-migrant-mother is an excellent illustration of this. Lange captured a series of images in a migrant encampment in Los Angeles during the Great Depression. In the pea-pickers camp she encountered hunger and despair, and these are the emotions she depicted through her photographs. No one could view the image of the migrant mother without reading the fear, desperation and worry on the mother’s face or without interpreting the child’s despair from the body posture that is captured on camera. By highlighting elements such as shape, contrast, shadows and texture in our compositions we are attempting to create a certain mood or emotion in the image. In many ways, choosing black and white can increase the storytelling potential of an image by stripping away the distraction of colour and helping us express emotions through our photography. Facial expressions are highlighted when the distraction of colour is taken away To sum up: How do you decide which image will make a good black and white photograph? · Make sure there is good contrast between light and dark tones · Look for shadows, strong patterns, lines and textures · Try to ‘see’ in black and white. Think: how will it look in black and white? · Be inspired by black and white photography In part 2 of this article I will consider how to improve our black and white photography by creating the best possible black and white version of our images.

The annual Photography Show and Video Show, normally held in Birmingham, England, is going virtual this year with a planned ‘Virtual Festival’ on September 20th and 21st. The move to an online platform for 2020 will open up the photography show to a global audience and give a chance to those who would not normally be able to attend, myself included, to participate in this annual exhibition of all things photographic. From the comfort of your home you can browse through over 100 exhibition stands and view the latest photography and video gear, including the latest offerings from top camera brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm and Panasonic. You can develop your creativity and stimulate your imagination by checking out the varied programme of tutorials, workshops and practical demonstrations and get advice on everything photography and video related from a team of experts. There are over 170 free talks and you are invited to drop in and out, ask questions, listen to interviews with top photographers and watch and learn from location shoots and projects by well known creatives that will inspire and motivate. There are sessions on all types of topics, suited to all levels of photographer practising in all genres, including talks and demos giving practical tips on how to get the most out of your camera. Here is a small sample of what’s on offer: “Street photography – editing on the go” “Creating the perfect online portfolio” “So… you want to be a photographer” “Shooting a BBC documentary series on an iPhone”, where the presenter of BBC4 documentary series ‘Canal Boat Diaries’ talks about his experiences of shooting and presenting the series on his iPhone. These are just a few of the many workshops available over the two days. There are so many sessions to choose from that there should be something to interest everyone, whether professional photographer, enthusiast or complete beginner. Registration for the event is free and once you register you will be sent an email with a link. If you can’t attend the live event you can use the link to watch the content online for four weeks after the event, with the exception of the live chat and Q&A sessions. This blog post is just my 'taster' for the event. Please share it with anyone you think might be interested in attending the show. For more detailed information and complete programme of events over the two days of the show, check out the official links below www.photographyshow.com https://www.techradar.com/news/the-photography-show-2020-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-cameras-festival https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/news/the-photography-show-goes-digital-on-20-and-21-september

Can we find our butterfly wings? After more than two months of almost total lockdown, we in Ireland are beginning to emerge from the severe restrictions and are taking our first tentative steps towards a new normality. With the knowledge that we need to tread carefully so that we don’t run the risk of encountering a second wave of the deadly coronavirus, we are testing the waters in many areas of society to see what the new normal will look like. While I have not been officially ‘cocooning’ it does still feel as though we are collectively emerging from a cocoon and trying to find our butterfly wings. With the fervent hope that we will not have to endure this situation again, I feel that it is an opportune moment to reflect on what has just gone and ask what lessons I have learned through this crisis. When I think back to the beginning of coronavirus arrival in Ireland, I remember words such as uncertainty, fear, anxiety, chaos and panic being prevalent in the conversations of people I know and in the media. Phrases like ‘cocooning’ and ‘social distancing’ became part of our new vocabulary. Parents became separated from children, grandparents from their grandchildren. Those with ‘underlying health conditions’ were suddenly plunged into a place of unexpected anxiety. People were told to ‘stay home’, even though home was not a safe place for some. There were the dreaded daily briefings from the Department of Health telling us how many people had got the virus and the number who had sadly died. Relatives could not sit with their loved ones or hold their hand on their last days on this earth; only a chosen few could attend funerals. Frontline workers were clapped and praised as they courageously went into battle with the virus every day, often leaving anxious spouses, parents or children at home. Many succumbed to the virus, most of them beating it but some, sadly, unable to win that last battle. Most of us stayed at home and were told we were doing the right thing, helping in the fight against the virus by not spreading it any further. Gradually, as the days turned into weeks, the sun came out, the temperature rose, and our usually cloudy skies turned blue. The dawn chorus was louder than ever, the trees seemed greener as they dressed for summer. We got into our gardens, played with our children, took family walks, talked, baked, painted, worked from home and began to accept the situation we were in knowing that it would take a common effort to beat this thing, despite the fact that at times we thought we were living through a horror movie. Changing Times Many things have changed. I have not seen my elderly mother, nor been in the same room as my daughter or granddaughter for months. Every day I look forward to that time when we can travel beyond 20 km and we can meet again. I have kept busy. I have had ‘Zoom’ calls with groups of friends, WhatsApp calls with others. I have listened to podcasts, learned some new photography skills, attended classes on topics of interest and taken a few photography challenges. I have watched videos on macro photography, close-up photography (and learned the difference!), on improving composition, even on landscape photography, and wished I could go somewhere different to take new photos. I have taken photos. I have captured some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I have played around with shadows, reflections, and silhouettes, I have done some research and planned a future project. The evening sun has given lots of opportunities to experiment with reflections Moving on I feel truly fortunate that those closest to me have escaped this virus, and I hope that will continue to be the case. But we can’t stay locked up forever in our homes and gardens. We must be careful, but we have to emerge and embrace the new uncertainties. We must protect ourselves and each other. We must protect loved ones and those we casually meet. But we have to live, to love, to come together again as humans, to face our new reality. Never were the words of W.B Yeats, although written for a different context, more relevant than they are today: All changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born What have I learned from the crisis? I have come to realise that we are powerless over so much. I have a new understanding of living one day at a time. I have learned to slow down, to stay calm and to appreciate those who are making tough decisions for us all. I have learned not to speak unless I have all the facts, because there is so much I don’t know. I realise how much we depend on one another and the importance of reaching out to others, even if it has to be by phone or social media. I have discovered how much I have taken for granted and know that those are the very things I truly wish for today; time with friends and family, meeting someone for a cup of coffee, a summer outing, driving in the countryside with my camera and stopping off whenever I see a photo opportunity, moving around without fear. I hope these simple pleasures will return soon. Travelling around the country and stopping off at interesting locations is something I have enjoyed and I look forward to returning to this simple pleasure. Reading my blogpost from last year entitled Travel photography without too much travel https://www.wildwillowways.com/post/travel-photography-without-too-much-travel gives me some inspiration and hope that normal times will return. We may not be able to travel abroad for a while but we do have a beautiful country to explore! Just take your camera or smartphone and go look for a beautiful image to capture.

I always look forward to taking part in Darkness into Light, the annual fundraiser for www.pieta.ie, the charity which provides help for those in suicidal distress, those in crisis and those bereaved by suicide. I have fond memories of joining thousands of joggers and walkers in yellow tee-shirts as we moved from initial darkness into the gradually unfolding light of a new day, supporting those among us who have survived suicide attempts and those have been bereaved by the tragedy of suicide in their family or friendship group. It is truly humbling to hear the stories of strength and survival from many of those who support Pieta because of the hope it has brought to their lives and to the lives of those they love. Last year’s walk was particularly memorable as we walked along with a young person who had struggled with her own darkness during the year and who had come through that difficult phase in her life thanks to the support of the volunteers in Pieta. We were walking in gratitude for her life and in support of others in a similar position and their relatives. The term Darkness into Light resonates with people on so many levels. It describes the physical action of rising in darkness and being up to meet the sunrise but it also refers to inner darkness and the journey into light for those suffering from mental health issues. It represents moving from despair into hope. It is a particularly apt name for the fundraiser as participants are symbolically moving from darkness into light, as well as physically doing so. Darkness into Light 2020 was a different than usual event due to COVID-19. There were no gatherings of thousands of people in parks or along forest paths or coastal walkways, wearing the trademark yellow t-shirt, coming together in a spirit of communal support for those in pain and distress in our community. But Darkness into Light did happen. It happened in small ways, with pockets of people gathering, walking (2 km apart), greeting the dawn and donating to this very worthy cause. It happened with the help of a TV and radio campaign and an online appeal. Visual images were broadcast of lines of lights as vehicles gathered in many parts of the country to create a convoy driving from darkness into light. Some people walked in family groups or jogged to favourite spots, others simply set alarms so that they could get up to greet the dawn in their own gardens, balconies and yards. Many people spread the message by wearing a Darkness into Light t-shirt and sharing their sunrise moment. Despite COVID 19, and even though it happened with a difference, Darkness into Light 2020 still happened. For me, it was a privilege to get up at 5 am, go to a spot a few kilometres from my home, and greet the most amazing sunrise. These are some memories of that beautiful morning. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise - Victor Hugo

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and is managing to remain somewhat active and positive. We are living through scary times, not just in terms of the Covid 19 pandemic itself but also because of the economic and social problems associated with it. Social isolation is increasingly becoming a problem for people and it is now being addressed by governments and various organisations throughout the world. An initiative which has just been launched by the Irish Government is #inthistogether, which aims to help people to stay connected, stay active and look after their mental health during the Covid 19 pandemic. Among other things, people are being urged to set a new daily activity to help boost their positivity and feel healthier, physically and mentally. The initiative states, “Now that more of our time will be spent at home, it is a great opportunity to get creative or pick up an old hobby.” This is where I believe photography has a part to play. It can be carried out inside or outside the home; it needs little investment in order to get started (a mobile phone camera!) and it takes care of both our physical and mental health. These might be lofty claims, but I have come to regard photography as my mental stimulation, my passport into the great outdoors and my go-to creative activity, so I speak from my own experience. My own journey into photography began about two years ago, simply with a suggestion. I had taken early retirement from my job and needed something challenging, something creative, something meaningful, and in photography I found all of that, and more. Photography has helped me to become more observant in everyday life, it has given me a greater appreciation of nature, has helped me discover new places, has given me a creative outlet and has taught me the importance of being in the moment. It has given me patience and the ability to strive for perfection while always being willing to accept my best. One of the strengths of photography as a hobby is that it can be as simple or as complex as we wish it to be; it can remain at the level of enjoyment and receiving positive comments on Instagram or it can open doors that lead in all directions and bring us on a new journey of discovery. First off, I am by no means an expert in photography and this blog has charted my learning from a position of almost complete beginner. When I started out, I had a lot of photographs filed on my computer under the name of the place in which they were taken. They were mostly holiday ‘snaps’, photographs taken quickly, usually with a fellow traveller or family member positioned in the middle of the picture and the landscape a mere background feature. I had no idea how to correctly compose an image to achieve the best visual impact, I didn’t always expose correctly or take account of light, and I usually took my photographs from the same position – that of a standing adult. These ‘mistakes’, and how I have learned to improve in these areas, have formed the basis of my five tips for turning snapshots into photographs and making a beginning on becoming a photographer rather than someone who takes occasional photographs. At first glance this might not seem to be the ideal time to begin photography but I hope my 5 tips will show how this is exactly the right time to get started at an activity that could go on to provide a lifetime of pleasure. During this lockdown phase opportunities to get out and about with a camera are somewhat limited but these 5 tips can be tried out close to home, with a camera or mobile phone, and still have the potential to transform our images from snapshot to photograph, and ourselves from beginner to enthusiast photographer in a short time. 1. Become more observant With or without camera at hand, I think one of the main strengths we need to have if we are to become good photographers is the ability to be continually observing our surroundings and constantly on the lookout for a good photo opportunity. I have found that I am generally becoming more observant and am beginning to see things that I had often overlooked. We can look up, look down, look around, and particularly at this time of year, even if we can’t walk very far, nature is unfolding before our eyes. If we are confined to our own backyard or garden, we can still observe the sky as it changes minute by minute, and the sun as it casts its light around us. Observation is a key skill and one that will be developed over time but one that can begin right now. 2. Pay attention to composition Composition is one of the photographic skills that I am constantly learning more about, and always trying to improve. Often when I take photos I don’t include people in them, but when I do I usually try to position them off-centre, in as natural a pose as possible, rather than have them smiling, centre picture, as I used to do. While I have learned about the ‘rules’ of composition, I don’t stick to them rigidly but do try to find a composition that to me is aesthetically pleasing. And keep compositions simple! Even at times like these, when I cannot go too far afield with my camera, I can still practise composition. I took the photograph below in Marlay Park (which is within my 2km limit). I concentrated on the leaf and made that the focal point of my picture, rather than trying to include everything. Even when using a mobile phone camera, I have learned to set the focus by tapping on the screen, thereby choosing exactly which part of the scene I want to have in focus. I like to concentrate on small parts of things, unusual or overlooked items, and these are the kinds of photographs I can still take close to home. 3. Vary the angle and perspective Most photographs are taken from the position of a standing adult. In order to have our photos appear more unique a simple technique is to vary the angle or perspective. Shooting flowers from a low vantage point lets us see them in a way that we don’t normally see them from our standing position. Placing the camera close to the ground can give a change of perspective and I even lie on the ground at times to get a more unique view. This technique works particularly well with a mobile phone since we aren’t using a viewfinder. Placing a mobile phone on the ground provides a more unusual angle from which to take our image Looking around for the best perspective is a good rule of thumb as it helps us achieve the best background against which to set our subject. For example, in the image below, moving around and shooting up against the sky, rather than shooting against a coloured background of trees, gives the subject more emphasis. Looking down, too, can present unexpected opportunities to capture something unusual. This leaf print is set into a concrete path in my neighbourhood. I walked past it many times without noticing it until one day I happened to look down and realised it had probably been made deliberately, and it is not something seen often, so I took the photograph. 4. Pay attention to the light I have often spoiled an otherwise decent photograph by not paying attention to the light. Sometimes I want to take a certain scene, but the light is just too dull, and the result is a very flat, lifeless image. In many cases subjects were over or under exposed because I didn’t ascertain where the light was coming from and adjust my position accordingly. Sometimes, I look out at my garden and know that any photograph taken will be dull and uninteresting because the light is dull and uninteresting. At other times, a sliver of light falling on a leaf, a petal, a surface, can transform the possibilities for getting a decent image. It is generally agreed that early morning and late evening are the best times for getting good light, though many will say that just after rain is good too! Harsh midday sun is not as good as the soft morning or evening light but sometimes we need to make the best of the light we have, as long as we are aware of that and work accordingly. At times, I have even found myself identifying what I want to shoot then waiting for the light to arrive! 5. Learn something from an expert While I feel confident in passing on tips that worked for me, I believe there is no substitute for learning from an expert. There are countless tutorials online and free photography lessons for beginners, some more useful than others. One link I am happy to recommend is https://iphonephotographyschool.com/mobile-photography-tips/. This site has lots of tips for improving phone photography, and they can be applied to all smartphone cameras, not just iphones. The tips given are easy to incorporate into our everyday photography and I believe that they have helped transform the way I use my mobile phone for photography. In these days of limited movement, mobile photography may just be the place to begin the photographic journey! "To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it." -- Kurt Vonnegut

I’m working on a blog about how to stay motivated in this difficult time yet it seems so unreal to try and force myself to live as normal and do normal things in what are without doubt the most abnormal times any of us have ever lived through. I found this article today and want to share it as it resonates with how I feel and it has helped me realise that it’s ok not to be ok all the time and we just do our best with something that is so totally out of our control. I’ll get back to reading, writing, creating, but for today I’ll just allow myself to be in the place that says it’s ok to be rather than to do. I know that in allowing myself that space I will emerge stronger. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ie/blog/prescriptions-life/202003/covid-19-it-s-ok-feel-overwhelmed-and-be-unproductive The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where Who knows where… Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. If you like this post and think it would be of benefit to someone else, please share.

There are lots of things I’d like to do and places I’d like to go this Easter and none of them are going to be possible. My situation is the same as for so many of us. No visits to family, no trips away from home, contact with friends and family limited to phone and video calls. Yet, despite all of these restrictions I do feel that I still have a choice. I can lament the fact that the weather is good and there is so much I could do if only…. Or I can accept the situation as it is and be grateful for what I do have today. I have a number of areas in my life that I like to call my passions. My main passion, which brings with it a love of walking and being in nature, is photography, which has given me the added gift of becoming more observant and being present in the moment. Coming a close second to these simple pleasures is music, which I have always loved, and which has sustained me at many junctures of my life. So many of the world’s best known (and even lesser known) artists are performing in so many different ways to raise our spirits, and music certainly has the power to do that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huTUOek4LgU A friend sent me this link to a performance by music icon Andre Bocelli, which is billed as a message of love, hope and healing to the world. Easter Sunday, 10am LA, 1pm NYC, 6pm UK and Ireland, 7pm CET To add to my list of passions, I am an avid reader and am also rapidly discovering a love for cooking and baking. In truth, none of these things have been taken away from me in the current lockdown situation. My photography trips may have been curtailed somewhat but I am discovering little delights in my own garden and realising that I have much to learn in the realm of close-up photography. Whatever the weather, a good book is never far from my side and access to music knows no bounds with all the technology at our disposal today. This Easter there are many people working long, exhausting shifts in our hospitals and care centres, in supermarkets and in the area of transport, ferrying people and goods around the country to meet the demand for essential services. All I have to do is be grateful that I have a home in which to ‘isolate’, and stay there! I have picked a few of my photographs to remind me that the world wasn’t always in the grip of a virus, and that we will return to that state someday, hopefully someday soon. Happy Easter 2020

This is a question that has never been more pertinent than it is today, when the whole world seems to be falling into chaos. It’s difficult not to become fearful in the current Covid-19 situation, given the constant bombardment of news bulletins, constant updates and commentary on social media, global panic buying and stockpiling of goods, countries in shutdown and instances of virus infection growing every day. While it is undoubtedly a very serious situation, and a certain amount of fear and anxiety is inevitable, I think the scaremongering, sensationalism and doomsday predictions are making a bad situation a lot worse. Fear has become a real problem all over the world, and we tend to feed off each other’s fears, exacerbating our own. While I know that there are measures we can take to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus, I think it is equally important to tackle the spread of fear and panic in our communities. Many people already struggle with anxiety issues and the wave of panic spreading over the world is doing nothing to help the situation. While I claim to be a fairly positive person and work on keeping a positive outlook on a daily basis, I find that recently I have succumbed to the fear that surrounds me, the ‘What if…?’ questions. So rather than allow this way of thinking to take hold I have tried to work out ways to counteract fear for myself. There are probably lots of articles written in the same vein in recent days but these are the things that work for me. 1. Change your thinking Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is based on the belief that if we can change our thinking we can change our feelings and behaviours. If our thoughts are focused on worst case scenarios then we will feel afraid and behave accordingly, often becoming over-anxious or depressed. In reality, unless we are being physically threatened or are in a life threatening situation in this moment, fear is rarely a present moment thing. Fear is always about the future, about what might or could happen. It is not happening now. If we get back to living in the present, to being present in this moment, there is no fear present. Easier said than done, but I find that taking this approach can keep fear at bay. 2. Change the channel If the radio or TV channel is broadcasting back to back 'Coronavirus' then do we need to switch off? It is obviously important for us to keep ourselves properly informed and to be aware of how to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible, but how much do we really need to hear? It seems that we have almost become obsessed with hearing every minor detail, over and over again. I am very aware that many people are facing their own personal difficulties at this time that will still be there, virus or no virus, and it is important not to feel that nothing else is important in our world. Also, there are those who become panicked by other people's panic, and those who become unduly anxious due to over-exposure to negative information. While driving today I was delighted to be entertained with banter and small talk and fun. Well done to those DJs who are doing just that. 3. Distract yourself I have found that my choice of reading material is important at this time. Normally, I like a serious read that I can discuss with other readers but right now I want a good old page-turner. This could also be a good time for me to learn something new, something to distract myself and change my thinking. Writing down my thoughts as I’m doing now, in particular writing solutions to negative thoughts, is also a good means of distraction. 4. Continue to have social contacts in whatever way possible for as long as possible While a few weeks ago it would have seemed unthinkable that our social life could be disrupted to the extent that we would be forced to self-isolate, we have seen how that reality can come to pass in any country, so while we can still do so I think we need to talk to people - meet in open spaces, go for a walk or run, and find topics other than Coronavirus to talk about! So much of our fear has arisen because of the technology at our fingertips but technology will also prove to be our friend if we are socially isolated, and we need to use it to make real contacts with real people, not to frighten ourselves more. 5. Take positive actions Meditation, taking quiet time to focus on something positive, finding humour around us, are all things that help to direct our thoughts in a more positive direction. Taking part in a creative activity is often a good way to help absorb our attention and leave less time for negative thoughts. Author Neil Gaiman says, 'The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before'. I have started a project called A Photo a Day for Thirty Days. Every day I am going to take a photograph of something positive, something beautiful, something colourful, something that speaks to me in a way that is affirming. I won’t worry whether I use a camera or phone, what will be important is the act of choosing a positive image, and doing so every day as a therapeutic action. Some days I may share my photo on Instagram (wildwillowways), sometimes not, but doing this project will give me a reason to think positive, look for the positive around me and share that positivity with others. “Bran thought about it. ‘Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?’ ‘That is the only time a man can be brave,’ his father told him.” — George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones