Black and White and Wildlife

Splash on that color, those bright blues and greens and reds! Soft feathers and golden light, warm fur and rich browns, smooth exoskeletons with a mesmerizing plethora of endless iridescence all beckon to the lens. How can the wildlife photographer resist the epic array of beautiful color from the world of animals and plants, millions of species, millions of shades? Is it ever right to turn away from nature’s gift of the full visible spectrum?

I tremble at the thought of removing those greens. Faint oranges are like the most sublime of flavors, flowing in abundance through those frail autumn leaves. How can one resist?

Oh yes, there’s portrait photography. No problem with black and white. Human beings have special centers in our brains to recognize faces, after all. The human form is pure shape overflowing with emotions and moods and feelings. With portraits, black and white is an old friend, always ready for adventure. And landscape, also! What of those rocky outcroppings and sparse plants? I see textures galore already approaching a nearly monochrome palette, bringing philosophical feelings to a familiar place.

Beaver, can I remove your color? Yes, there are textures too, smooth against pointed, lines like the aligning of iron filings against a magnet. But won’t I miss those familiar browns? No, they will return another day, bounding back begging to be captured when the time is right.

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