Black and White Photography, PART II

Nothing is too commonplace to photograph!

Black and White Photography, PART II

Hope you enjoyed my previous post, The Wonder of Black & White Photography.  If not, you can turn around or back down the driveway.  But, helpful soul that I am, instead, I suggest you pour a slosh or two of your favorite mind expanding liquid, add some ice and settle back.  There will be photos of women, of men, of wine, of wonderful hideaways you may remember from your youth, when you desperately needed three out of four.  Ah, the wonderful days of new love and old wine, as opposed to today, when your finances don’t allow for either of the two.

But, let’s suppose you’re walking hand in hand with that special someone, and you happen to be on the continent, enjoying summer’s bright sparkle.  Flowers decorate the balconies of every ancient apartment in cobblestone streets of the quaint village. Outdoor cafes and restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks, with well-trained wait staffs, and delicious wine with a price that doesn’t make you choke. Perhaps you’re in the delightful part of France called Provence, or in Tuscany, or perhaps Puglia.  It’s the middle of the sunny afternoon.  You’ve shared kisses as you stroll and suddenly spy the perfect spot for a delightful repast and a smooth and clean tasting bottle of whatever the waiter suggests.  The two of you are seated at a table for two.  The waiter appears in black slacks with a white shirt and a starched linen napkin neatly folded over this arm. Something local, you tell him. He replies, “Oui, messieur!“  Just as he promised, the soft wine holds the promise of a wonderfully romantic afternoon.  If only you could remember her name, but for now, darling will do, with chèrie as a backup.

Now keep the scene in mind and gaze at some more B & W photos that will take you to that wonderful afternoon.  By the way, her name was Gabrielle, at least I think it was….but maybe not…