City in the Clouds
As blue skies and flower blossoms take us into Spring, look back fondly on Winter for the perspectives it gives us and the comforts we’re forced to find.
Photographs courtesy of a roll of Ilford XP2 and a cloudy trip to New York
A lack of colour allows secondary features of an image to shine and overlooked aspects of stories to be revealed. Our attention can be drawn to the true heart of an image, unearthing what may otherwise remain unseen.
Smoke on the water
It also creates - combinations of black and white become formations and patterns; transforming buildings into piano keys, shadows into objects, and horizons into carvings across the canvas.
Monochromatic film doesn’t turn boring into emotional and interesting, it offers perspective through which to understand there are no boring moments. Despite being deprived of the animation a range of colour can produce in an image, most would agree that black and white photographs command appreciation and excitement on par to their colourful counterparts.
Arrival of the Cloud People
Dull days should be explored and enjoyed with a similar attitude. Instead of seeing the mist and cold as another number on the calendar in pursuit of summer, enjoy winter days for the characters they hold and the opportunities they present: the cover of shade a blessing to spend time with ourselves, a blanket of rain a chance to relate to a stranger, the cold an excuse to warm up.
Charlie Levine, the “Poet for the People”
When the sun hides we can wait for the light to find us, or we can open our eyes a little wider - vapid views allow dreams to entice you, as those close to us become brighter against the background.
I recommend tackling misty days with friends and a New York pie.
Album - Your Hero is Not Dead, Westerman