Black& white lockdown special
A curated selection of reader photos that capture the essence of time spent in quarantine
‘Meow’ by Mark Gibb
“As a newcomer to photography, I have enjoyed learning the different ways in which we can look at an image and what we can create through a lens.
“This image is of our cat one afternoon; after her mid-afternoon nap I followed her through the house, trying to get a natural expression. After some time, this look came out and it just fit. This was taken on a Canon EOS 4000D using a 18-55mm lens.”
Digital Camera says:
Welcome to the wonderful world of photography, Mark. It’s great that you’ve immediately found a way to be creative while at home with your new pastime. A little more contrast here, and you’ll end up with a punchy final image.
‘Woodcuts’ by Robin Graham
“This shot was actually taken during the first lockdown – my other hobby is woodturning. The image was taken in my shed using a Nikon D700 set to 1/3 sec at f/6.3, ISO 125. I had set up the pieces of timber and turnings next to a partially open window.”
Digital Camera says:
A classic still life/fine art shot, Robin – and how positive that you’ve been able to combine your two hobbies together in such a creative way. This is great use of a simple single light source, highly underestimated by so many – but you’ve shown why one light is often just enough.
‘Droplets’ by Kate Parmaku
“This shot was taken using macro extension tubes, window light and a son who didn’t mind me spraying water in his face! Staying still is not one of his strong points, so it was tricky, but I am pleased with the results. I did a quick edit on my phone in Snapseed, converting it to black and white and boosting the contrast a little. I would love to get a macro lens one day, but in the meantime extension tubes for my Canon EOS 1300D are a great budget alternative.”
Digital Camera says:
A great shot, Kate. Extension tubes are ideal for starting to explore macro photography, and you have used them well.
‘Furloughed & Home-Schooling Kids’ by Neil Logan
“This was taken during the first lockdown, when I was home-schooling two children who just wanted to get back to school to be with their friends. Like many parents, I felt that children were losing the will to work – I was literally pulling my hair out.”
Digital Camera says:
We love the black and white tones here. Just be careful when shooting with reflections not to crop people’s heads off in the reflection.
‘Peter in Lockdown’ by Caroline Picking
“This shot of my dear 95-year-old friend Peter, who I have ‘bubbled’ with, seems to encapsulate the effects of lockdown on our elderly – he has hardly left home in a year.”
Digital Camera says:
Working with natural light should be a priority for every photographer. It’ll give you many rewards.
‘Lockdown’ by Alan Ford
“I was working on my computer and spotted my wife sitting on the end of the bed gazing out of the window. As is often the case, you find the unexpected staring you in the face so I quickly grabbed my camera and took a photo. My wife was totally unaware l had taken it.”
Digital Camera says:
Maybe the start of a documentary series, Alan? Great control of exposure. So often shooting into the light can leave the subject as a silhouette with the outside over-exposed as total white. The framing gives the viewer just enough to think – and we wonder what your wife is thinking about, too.