LIGHTROOM LINK: https://adobe.ly/4aPOoZt
OBSERVATIONS
The colour images vividly convey the vibrance, cultural richness, and lively atmosphere.
The black and white images emphasize texture, contrast, and a sense of timeless quality.
The choice between black-and-white and colour depends on the intended message. If the goal is to celebrate cultural heritage and visual richness, as in Scenes 1, 2 and 5, then colour would be my preference. The black-and-white images are more appealing if the focus is on intense compositions, contrast and timelessness.
The black and white images emphasize texture, contrast, and a sense of timeless quality.
The choice between black-and-white and colour depends on the intended message. If the goal is to celebrate cultural heritage and visual richness, as in Scenes 1, 2 and 5, then colour would be my preference. The black-and-white images are more appealing if the focus is on intense compositions, contrast and timelessness.
SCENE 1: LANDSCAPE
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 15-35 F2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF 15-35 F2.8 L IS USM
SCENE SET UP
I was immersed in the Lunar New Year parade celebrations; I wanted to capture the crowd's energy in the backdrop of the brightly decorated streets in Chinatown. I caught the moment when most people tried to get a photo of the dragon just before it appeared. I composed the photo with the two stop signs and the red lanterns as a frame with the vanishing point in the bottom third of the image.
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 24mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/1000s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 3200
Set the focus length to 24mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/1000s
Set the aperture to F8
Set the ISO to 3200
24mm - 1/1000s - F8 - ISO 3200
24mm - 1/1000s - F8 - ISO 3200
SCENE 2: PORTRAIT
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 24-70 F2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF 24-70 F2.8 L IS USM
SCENE SET UP
I saw the lady dressed in an elaborate, traditional Chinese outfit, standing in the crowd as part of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Central London. I politely asked to capture her. She wore a richly detailed hanfu with red, gold, and green elements, and intricate embroidery. Her headdress was particularly striking with various ornaments, black extensions and red tassels. She had a welcoming and confident expression.
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 34mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/500s
Set the aperture to F2.8
Set the ISO to 400
Set the focus length to 34mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/500s
Set the aperture to F2.8
Set the ISO to 400
34mm - 1/500s - F2.8 - ISO 400
34mm - 1/500s - F2.8 - ISO 400
SCENE 3: TEXTURE
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM
SCENE SET UP
I took this close-up image of the stem of a plant. I focused on the texture of the stem fibres, which were tightly bound by natural twine, keeping the plant stable and the posture straight. I used an external white light source to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows. The contrast of the fibres in focus against the blurred green foliage background helps to complement the contrast, drawing the eye to the details of the twine binding. The black-and-white image heightens the twine, making it even more pronounced.
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 35mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/100s
Set the aperture to F1.8
Set the ISO to 1000
Set the focus length to 35mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/100s
Set the aperture to F1.8
Set the ISO to 1000
35mm - 1/100s - F1.8 - ISO 1000
35mm - 1/100s - F1.8 - ISO 1000
SCENE 4: MACRO
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM
SCENE SET UP
I took this image at a very close focusing distance to ensure a close-up perspective and sharpness. The leaf is backlit to reveal the vein structures, detail and symmetry. The dark background creates a strong contrast with the green leaf. The black-and-white photo emphasizes the contrast between the veins and the dark background.
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 35mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/320s
Set the aperture to F11
Set the ISO to 800
Set the focus length to 35mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/320s
Set the aperture to F11
Set the ISO to 800
35mm - 1/320s - F11 - ISO 800
35mm - 1/320s - F11 - ISO 800
SCENE 5: STILL LIFE
EQUIPMENT USED
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 24-70 F2.8 L IS USM
Canon RF 24-70 F2.8 L IS USM
SCENE SET UP
I captured a collection of red and gold toys at a shop stall at the Lunar Year parade. I focused on the toys in the foreground and blurred the background. The bold red colours and the various expressions of the toys made this stall stand out from others nearby. The black-and-white photo removes the vibrancy of the image and focuses on the tonal contrasts between the toys.
CAMERA SET UP
Set the Camera Mode to Manual
Set the focus length to 70mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/500s
Set the aperture to F2.8
Set the ISO to 1600
Set the focus length to 70mm
Set the shutter speed to 1/500s
Set the aperture to F2.8
Set the ISO to 1600
70mm - 1/500s - F2.8 - ISO 1600
