The beauty of Black and White Portraits

Photo by Frank Kendralla
Wedding and Portrait Photographer
www.kendralla.com
www.kendrallaphotography.com

There is something magical about a black and white image. Maybe because a black and white image is down to the subtle and bold lines and shapes. A color image screams reality, a black and white image quietly states, 'fine art'.

I am not sure why but I love to experiment with black and white images. There are some images that scream, shoot me in color but there are others that can only be shot in black and white.

This is one of those images that looks best when printed on metallic paper. There are many different papers for printing photographs to for an amazing look. One of my favorites is metallic paper. Images printed on metallic paper almost appear dimensional. Although there is an extra cost associated to printing on metallic, in my humble opinion, it is worth it.

Metallic paper is normally limited to pro labs. One of the labs I use is Bay Photo via smugmug.com. The next time you order prints, ask for metallic and let me know if you enjoy the look.

This was the last image shot after photographing some very fun shots and was more of a grab shot than anything else. However, I loved the look of both mom and son in this image.

Wedding Cake flowers

Photo by wedding and portrait photographer
Frank Kendralla
www.kendralla.com 
www.kendrallaphotography.com 

I am not a 'cake' eating person but this cake sure looks yummy.  :-D 
 
A quick tip when photographing cakes.  Ensure you do not blast the cake with your flash.  This image was shot with the flash bounced off the wall camera left. Many folks love to photograph the cake during the reception.  This is one part of the reception where nearly everyone who has a camera with them brings it out.  However, most people blast the cake with their flash and they wash out all the detail and reduce or eliminate the cake's beauty.  If you are using a point and shoot where you cannot bounce the flash, try turning it off and using the ambient light to illuminate the cake. 

The great up lighting on the second image was provided by my DJ buddy Frank Gloor from Otto Productions. 


 I used a touch of light bounced off the left wall but used a very slow shutter speed to bring in the ambient light that Frank provided with his accent or up lighting. 






If you want cakes that taste as good as they look, contact Amy Barna.  In fact, not only do I endorse her cakes but we had her cakes at my daughter's wedding four years ago and her cookies at my daughter's baby shower last year. 
Amy Cakes

 The last image is a cake that Amy made for a wedding I shot last year and is one of my favorite designs.  Maybe because the cake looks like it has lasagna noodles on it, which brings back memories of my childhood. 


:-D 


Get out and enjoy the beauty of life!