“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”
~Desmond Tutu
“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”
~Plato
“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.“
~William Wordsworth
Gorgeous texture and light in these images, Jane. Your work is inspiring. And I’m so happy to see you like lighthouses, too! I also love that Plato quote.
Hi Patti, Thank you! Pleased you enjoyed this collection. I do love lighthouses and black and white. Plato knew. 😉
Yes, I love lighthouses, too. Plato was wise. Yes.
Another beautiful post Jane. For some reason “the row” shot really caught my eye.
Thanks so much, Amanda. I thought the lamppost was funny. Great to hear from you. 🌴😊
Wow, I can’t stop looking at those pics.
Thanks so much, Bobby. I’m happy you enjoyed these. I love monochrome photography.
hey jane, can you share your secret of those monochrome photography..
I mean how to capture them???
This is AMAZING!!
Thanks so much! 😊
Fantastic shots Jane. Merci. We sure could use some hope on November 3rd. So many men (and not a few women) are afraid of the light…
Merci, Brian. I am trying to be hopeful that there is light at the end of this long tunnel. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts. 🙂
I must say I am – figuratively – biting my nails to the quick. And concerned it won’t be over on the 3rd…
Phew…you and me both. It’s an extremely anxious time. 😦 Hang in there.
Jane, your black and white photography is exquisite. I liked these so much.
Hi Janet, Thanks very much. I really enjoy working in black and white and I’m happy you feel these work well. Appreciate your visit. 😊
Beautiful 😍
Thanks so much, Naya. 😍
It’s beautiful. Black provides a haunting charm and white bring them forth to life… These images are as such alive…
I’m happy you enjoyed this theme, Binisonu, and I love your description. Thank you so much.
Great series Jane…love how the white tips of the waves draw your eyes into the Winter Wave shot and the spooky Park Shadows foggy shot is my other favorite. Perfect for b/w. Well done 🙂
Hi Andy, Happy you enjoyed these- some favorites over the years. Thank you so much. 🙂
We are definitely living in monochrome times.Your Desmond Tutu quotation couldn’t be more perfect as we are all looking for hope in the darkness. Your images always give us that hope 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed the quote along with the monochromes, Andrew. Glad you felt the hope coming through. Thanks very much.
Love the Mendocino Cove shot, and ‘being afraid of the light’…. 🙂 🙂
Thank you, Jo. You’ve picked out two fave elements. Glad you enjoyed. 🙂 🙂
This is a tranquil study of light and darkness, Jane, with your exquisite photos and the accompanying quotes. I liked the lines of the Santa Monica Pier and the various vineyards, beautiful and moody photos. My favorite photo is the Winter Wave. It’s a unique angle of SF that we never see. Lovely post.
HI Jet, How nice to read your comment. I love working in monochrome. Glad you especially like winter wave…it’s worth going to Fort Point on a high surf warning day…it’s astounding. Thank you so much. 🙂
Thank you for the inspiring quotes, dear Jane. Your images are so beautiful. I’ve always enjoyed my visits to California and they brought back some lovely memories.
That makes me feel great, Sylvia. I’m so glad these brought back good memories of CA. Thank you very much. 🙂
One word will suffice on this stunning collection, Jane: YOWZA!!!
Thank you so much, Frank. 😊
The quotes touched me so much…
Thank you, Tithi. I’m glad they added something for you to the post. Much appreciated.
The pictures may be black and white but evoke a whole spectrum of emotions. Beautiful 💗
Thank you so much, Gibberish. I’m glad you felt the emotions in these images. Mean a lot. 😊
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet and commented:
Come and Enjoy these photos!
Thank you for sharing, Chuck. Much appreciated, as always. 🙂
Always a pleasure to enjoy and share your posts with followers, Jane! Hope all is well with you? I’m guessing you got some really awesome shots during the fires!! Be safe with Covid roaming around.
xoxo
😘💕🌹
Thanks so much, Chuck. Not too many this time, the air quality was prohibitive. Hopefully, the worst of it is behind Californians now. Sadly, it’s still early in the season. You, too. Be safe and stay healthy. 🙂 💙
I just love that PARK SHADOW pic , it is so mesmerising.
Thank you so much, Seema. 😊
Loved the play of light and dark. On first look it appears to be sad with no hope of positivity (changes), while looking at it for a while long,you see a ray of light (hope to overcome challenges)
Loved it as always…..👌👌🥰🥰🥰
Thank you so much, Relief Healer (a great name for our times). I’m glad the light emerged for you as you viewed. 🙂
Another amazing series, Jane. There is something about well taken B&W photographs that seem to touch me more, a bit more drama within the shadows perhaps. My first thought, as I have a feeling with many others, is hopefully your title becomes reality come November 3rd… 🙂
Thank you, Randall. I am with you on B&W photographs which often reveal something deeper and more dramatic. Yes, let’s continue to have hope…keep on looking for the light. 🙂
This is awesome. Do check out my website for amazing photos
Thank you, Bets.
Jane, you set quite a mood here. As the news takes into dark places, maybe going with that darkness can be healing. I think so, when I look at these images. The winter wave with the skyline is gorgeous and such an interesting juxtaposition. The image has the feeling of being out on the water and subject to its will, with the sheltering city far away. And oh, the park shadows are captivating. I feel like I’ve seen something exactly like that and I’m back there again, in some other time and place. I like ‘Row 20’ a lot. It’s a reminder of all the work that goes into winemaking. ‘Woodline and Eucalyptus’ is beautiful – what is a woodline? Why does it look that way? Such a lovely rhythm! The lighthouse is the picture of sturdiness and comfort, even while being alone. A great collection, Jane.
Hi Lynn, Thank you for your positive response. It’s funny how I remember making each image. Woodline is a sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy who creates pieces out of reclaimed elements that will eventually go back to the earth. This one is in the Presidio and is a great place to escape. I’m happy you enjoyed this collection. Keep on looking for the light. 🙂
“…when men are afraid of the light” – hmm, roll on November 3rd…
Lovely images, and here’s to feeling lighter in a month or so. No easy fixes ahead, but we needn’t make it worse.
Take care.
Exactly, Adam. Onward! Thanks so much.
Here’s the poem that includes Wordsworth’s exhortation to turn to nature:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45557/the-tables-turned
Thanks, Steve. It has a wonderful rhythm.
I know I’ve mentioned this before … but I LOVE your Black and White series and I had to come back another day to check it out again. The pier and the light shining through the trees is a good one. 🙂
I’m happy you enjoyed these monochromes, Guat. Thank you very much! 🙂
Wow, beautiful monochromes Jane.
Thanks so much, Göran. Means a lot coming from you. 🙂
Stunning imagery, Jane! I love the b&w, and how all the shapes are so defined. Very nice work!
Thank you, Pete. I’m pleased you enjoyed these. 🙂
Lovely photos, Jane, good to see such excellent black and white. My out and out favourite is Park Shadows, and there is Woodline too. 🙂
Your reaction means a lot, Adrian. Thanks so much. As you know, certain images really lend to monochrome. 🙂
Beautiful pictures
Thank you so much, Harmit and Piyush. 🙂
What an amazing round of photos – it’s hard to even pick a favorite!
Thank you so much, M.B. Happy you enjoyed this collection. 🙂
What an intriguing post. Beautifully done, Jane. Love the Plato quote.
Thank you, Jane. Glad you enjoyed this collection- that Plato quote hits home. 🙂
Your “Woodline and Eucalyptus” reminds me of San Francisco’s Lombard Street.
Hi Steve, What an apt comparison which never occurred to me all those times I’ve been there. I wonder if the artist, Andy Goldsworthy, was thinking of Lombard as an homage. Thanks so much.
Beautiful B&W, Jane, especially the Winter Wave and Park Shadows. Nature’s B&W is a very gray day. If it comes with dense fog or a snowy conditions, so much the better. 🙂
Thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed these. Yes, the moodier the day, the better. 🙂
This is an excellent album, but that “Park Shadows” is absolutely amazing, what a very cool otherworldly feel! I might hesitate to go down that path, looks like you might find yourself in Narnia or Middle-earth!
Thank you, Robert. I loved that lovely park near my home in SF. It was magical in the morning fog. Sadly, that tree was cut down – I never understood why. Glad I got its portrait. 🙂
The rushing water is different. love those photos and lines.
Thanks so much, Poshan. The lines and light are what caught my eye. 🙂
Nice series, Jane. Sweet to contemplate this morning as I take my tea. My favorite is ‘Woodline and Eucalyptus’ – so playful to the eye!
Thanks, Eliza. How nice to imagine you viewing while sipping your tea. 🙂 I know you would really enjoy walking the Woodline, a nature sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.
Right up my alley! I looked up the other three installations as well. Nice work.
I’m so glad you did, Eliza. Sadly, the obelisk was set on fire earlier this year. His work is beautiful and created to eventually return to the earth.
Storm King is a sculpture park a couple hours drive from me in NY. I’ve yet to see his work there, but would love to. I seem to recall that the wall continues through the water and out the other side. Of course you need a drone to see it properly! https://stormking.org/artist/andy-goldsworthy/
Oh wow, that is stunning! Can’t imagine it goes through the water, if so, that is wild.
I seem to remember seeing an aerial photo of it in an article, but couldn’t find one in my search.
Beautiful work Jane, especially the opener and your closing image – loved the B&W. Hope you had/are having a wonderful getaway!
Thanks, T. Glad you enjoyed them. Yes, it was a great getaway. Felt strange and fun to be away.
always beautiful pictures, and wonderful use of light especially today!
Thank you, Andy. Much appreciated! 🙂
What a treat to view all these gorgeous images when I woke up this morning! Your choice of showing these images in black and white are brilliantly effective. Love them all, thanks for sharing, Jane!
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic response, Stephen. That means a lot. I’m so glad I started your day right. 🙂 🙂
Each of these drew me in and caused me to dwell. Thanks! (Off to share and bring the light to others)
Thanks so much, Bob! 🙂
Those quotes…how true they …uttered by truly great people…Your photos, ohhhh your photos; as wonderful, thoughtful and apt as ever.
Thank you, Paula. Looking for the light, and for hope. Happy you enjoyed this one.
Beautiful pictures Jane! 🙌
I especially liked the still black and white picture of the wave.
Thanks so much, Ujjawal. That was an amazing morning at Fort Point – a surfer’s mecca. 🙂
Great blak & white pictures, my favo is n° 2 Greetings, Rudi
Thanks so much, Rudi. Glad you enjoyed these – #2 is an homage to wine country suffering from the recent wildfires. (Shot during better days.)
How lucky they could safe the vineyard.
Thank you. Several wineries burned down – the vineyards survive fairly well sometimes.
Great set; great content! Running Water for me please!
Thank you, Harrie. And so glad you like that one in particular. Great memories of Yosemite. (those were the days!)
Very good; you’re starting to get the hang of it 🤪 I’m a fan of black and white. By the way, I just noticed that they’re also selling colour screen tv’s now so I may just get one 😁
Haha, Jerry. Enjoy your new technicolor world 😃 Glad you’re a fan of B&W- I think it reveals the world in different ways. Thanks very much. 🙂
Beautiful as always, your use of light and shadow in the pictures make the light look like silver.
Hi Lisbeth, This is very nice to read. Happy you enjoyed this collection- thank so much.
Thanks Jane, for showing us the light… these seem to be times when we’re needing the reminder. I’m convinced we’ll make it through it all in the end. It’ll be time before we know it to roll up the sleeves and work to restore what has been lost. 😀
Hi Gunta, Yes, searching for the light equals hope and I’m glad you are feeling hopeful. We can do it. Thanks so much for viewing these and I’m happy they inspired you. 🙂
Beautiful black and white selection Jane…such strong compositions…and all the textures and lines…always appreciate seeing your work ~ sending joy Hedy ☺️💫🌞
Hi Hedy, Happy you enjoyed these black and whites. I think they do tell a different story than color. Thanks very much and I appreciate your thoughts. Hope you have a great week. 😊☀️
Beautiful display of the contrast between dark and light in your monochrome photos! Well done, Jane!
Glad you enjoyed them, Peter. Thank you!
Another beautiful collection, with words we all need to hear. This collection had me thinking I need to slow down and get present more when photographing. That’s the sense I get from them – that you’re really present with the location and the process. Lovely.
Alison
Alison, You’ve made my day. If my images convey an immersion in the moment, which is what I am feeling, then I’ve accomplished something. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and I’m very happy you enjoyed this series. Hope you are doing well. 🙂
Gorgeous images and reflective quotations… Cheers! -autumn jade
Thanks very much, Autumn Jade. 🙂
Jane, your Black and White images are so significantly beautiful. When you photograph , do you shot in B&W, or do you transfer the raw images into B&W. just being curious.
Hi Cornelia, I shoot in color, raw and then convert to B&W in Lightroom. I also occasionally use Nik Silver Efex Pro for conversion but find that LR usually does the trick for me. I’m pleased you enjoyed this collection- thank you very much. 🙂
Thank you Jane for sharing your editing preferences. I do to all my raw work in LR.
They are all so beautiful.
Much appreciated, Magical Normal. Thanks so much.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mesmerizing! Very religious! I would say very Jewish, in my point of view. Thanks so much, Jane!
Thank you, Fabio. That’s a great perspective. We hope to see the light in about a month. Happy you enjoyed this post. 🙂
🙂 So well and elegantly expressed! Joining forces with you in this important endeavor. Thank you!
😊👍🏻💪
I like the Tutu quote! ATmospheric monochrome shots, Jane!
Thank you, Amanda. That quote summed it up for me during this time. Glad you enjoyed this monochrome collection. 🙂
Beautiful light in your black and white photos, Jane. My favorite is Cove Mendocino. I love how the sunlight hits the hillside.
Thanks, Susan. That’s exactly what caught my eye in that cove…the light was so dramatic. Happy you enjoyed these. 🙂
Park Shadows, is a beautiful and hauntingly succulent image… Bravo!
Thanks so much, Eric. That was a memorable morning in a park in SF across from where I lived. Sad thing is, the city cut that tree down for reasons that I cannot fathom, so I am happy to have documented it.