Why I’m Done with Paid Advertising… For Now
I’ve got to admit something right off the bat: I think I’m done with paid advertising, at least for the time being. I don’t know if it’s just me, but every time I try ads on Google, Facebook, or Instagram, I end up swimming in a sea of spam and scam messages. Seriously, it’s like the floodgates open, and suddenly, I’m getting more ridiculous offers than I can count. And honestly, it’s exhausting.
But the worst? This latest attempt at Instagram “influencer” marketing. I thought I’d give it a shot because, hey, why not, right? Wrong. It turned out to be a total disaster. The so-called influencers were nothing but scammers who kept asking for more money, offering lame excuses that seemed straight out of a bad movie script. I’m now chasing a refund because, well, this is just unacceptable.
So, I’m done with advertising for now. But hey, that’s not why you’re here! Let’s shift gears and talk about something way more exciting and fulfilling: black and white photography. That’s a topic that never disappoints, right?
A Walk by the Coast… and My Love for Black and White Photography
For the past three weekends, I’ve found myself drawn to the coast. The weather’s been perfect – sunny but not too hot – and I’ve been craving some fresh air. Naturally, I brought my camera along, because, well, that’s just what I do.
But here’s the thing: I haven’t actually taken many photos. Strange, right? I’ve mostly just enjoyed being by the sea, breathing in the salty air and feeling the sand under my feet. Sometimes, it’s important to just be in the moment without worrying about snapping the perfect shot.
That said, I did take a few photos. And lately, I’ve been really into black and white photography. There’s something about stripping away the color that makes everything feel more intense, more timeless. It’s like you’re seeing the soul of the image, without all the distractions.
Why Black and White Photography?
So, why do I love black and white photography so much? Well, for starters, it’s classic. It has this old-school charm that instantly elevates a photo. But more than that, it forces you to focus on the basics: contrast, texture, light, and shadow. Without color, you have to get creative in how you compose your shots.
When everything is in grayscale, you start noticing things you might have missed otherwise – like the way light hits a building at just the right angle, or how the texture of a brick wall pops when there’s no color to distract you. Black and white photography really makes you appreciate the little details.
Using Analogue Cameras for Black and White Photography
Lately, I’ve been thinking about dusting off my old analogue cameras. I mean, I’ve always loved shooting on film, and black and white film photography has this raw, gritty feel that digital just can’t replicate. Don’t get me wrong, I love the convenience of digital, but there’s something magical about waiting to see how your shots turn out when you develop the film.
Analogue cameras are a whole different beast, though. You don’t get to see your shot right away, which forces you to slow down and really think about your composition before you press the shutter. It’s a much more intentional process, and I think that’s why I love it.
Tips for Black and White Photography
If you’re new to black and white photography or just looking for some tips to improve your game, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Focus on Contrast
In black and white, contrast is king. Since you don’t have color to create depth or draw attention to specific areas, you need to rely on contrast. Look for scenes where there’s a strong difference between light and dark. Think harsh shadows, bright highlights, and everything in between.
2. Mind the Textures
Textures become super important in black and white photography. Without color, the roughness of a stone wall or the smoothness of water can make or break a photo. Try to capture surfaces that have interesting textures, as they’ll pop more in black and white.
3. Lighting is Everything
This one might seem obvious, but it’s especially crucial in black and white. The way light hits your subject will determine how dynamic your photo looks. Play around with different lighting setups, whether it’s harsh sunlight, soft shadows, or backlighting to create a silhouette.
4. Keep It Simple
When shooting in black and white, simpler compositions tend to work better. Too many elements can make the photo look cluttered since you don’t have color to separate things visually. So, try to keep your shots clean and focus on one or two main subjects.
5. Experiment with Angles
Sometimes, changing your perspective can turn an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. Try shooting from a low angle or getting a bird’s eye view. Playing with angles can add drama and interest to your black and white photography.
Black and White Photography on Your Smartphone
You don’t need a fancy camera to get started with black and white photography. In fact, your smartphone is more than capable of capturing stunning monochrome images. Most phones have a black and white mode, or you can convert your photos after taking them using editing apps.
If you’re interested in diving deeper, I’ve written an ebook on how to capture amazing black and white photos using your smartphone. It’s available on Amazon Kindle, and you can find more info about it here.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, I’m planning another trip to the coast. This time, I’m bringing one of my old analogue cameras, and who knows? Maybe I’ll come back with some awesome black and white shots to share. In the meantime, feel free to check out my shops for some of my latest creative endeavors.
- CatPrints by Bsilvia Shop: catprints.bsilvia.shop
- Graphics Illustrations: graphics-illustrations.com
- FiveCatsGraphics Shop on Etsy: FiveCatsGraphics
Thanks for sticking with me through this little journey into the world of black and white photography. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to learn and appreciate in the world of monochrome. See you in the next post, and don’t forget – keep shooting!