BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOR? WHAT DO YOU PREFER?
What is the place for Black and White images in today's digital world that's full of color? Black and White images are timeless but there are other reasons to use it as well. Black and White helps to deal with contrast, eliminate distractions and bring your eye to the subject.
This image of Freya I strongly prefer the color image, it shows her environment. Her beautiful black colors, her stunning eyes and the color image somehow screams her aloofness. I feel her personality is better shown with the color image. Freya was retreating and staying back from the photography group. But eventually decided to look right at us for a brief time. Just trying to figure out what we were all about.
The Photo Fails for this image in Black and White are;
You miss seeing her stunning eyes that connect the viewer to this beautiful wolf dog.
The grass and surrounds are unattractive without color and make this a weaker environmental image of Freya.
Eliminating the background does eliminate some distractions but I strongly prefer the color image of Freya.
FREYA SHY AND STUNNING
I have developed an affection for this place and the hard work of the people that work here. For others Yamnuska is their life’s work but you can find out more if you visit. Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary has been captured in a movie that illustrates the love and commitment involved in rescuing and caring for Wolf Dogs. Freya is a stunning wolf dog who came in with her friend Odin. If you didn’t know better you would think Freya is actually a Wolf.
ODIN PEERING OUT THE FENCE
Meet Odin who is Besties with Freya that I believe you have already met. They are privileged to be residing at Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary and share their digs there. Their accommodations are tailored to their unique needs and are considered “Cozy” in Wolf Dog circles. Odin with his more Husky-Like features may cause you to be mistaken about his breed. But when you see him up closer up it’s his size and especially his paw size that make you realize otherwise.
I VOTE BLACK AND WHITE
This Color Image of Odin is warm and inviting with strong leading lines drawing you into the subject. The grass helps to frame the subject and his gaze helps to show the at homeness that Odin feels at Yamnuska.
The Black and White Image of Odin is stronger in this case. The leading lines are cleaner with no color to draw away your eye. The framing of the grass is less distracting in B and W in this case. Normally I prefer B and W images without grass and in more urban environments.
The Black and White is the Winner Here and Clearly Makes Odin the Star of this Shot!
KATAHNA CHILLIN NEAR "HER" A FRAME
Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary has poured heart and soul into making a comfortable haven for their wolf dogs On the day of my recent visit there was an abundance of activity and also some major lounging. The kind of lounging you do when you have found your Forever Outdoor Home. But also when you are comfortable knowing you are cared for and loved. This is Katahna and she is often seen hanging out near this little A Frame in her enclosure.
RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN, ESPECIALLY THE PHOTOGRAPHY ONES
Many will tell you especially in class and camera clubs that you need to place your subject on the 1/3 lines of your composure. But the longer you are a photographer you realize rules are made to be broken.
While in this case my subject is on the lower 1/3 line I chose to put my subject in the middle of the photo. The reason for this is to makes the subject stronger and puts her A Frame behind her. This make the photo more symmetric and makes Katahna the main squeeze of the image.
I prefer the color image in this case due to the natural surrounds. But the Black and White isolates her especially within the symmetric image. As well as the A Frame, The Tree and the padded down area of grass leading to Katahna.
KATAHNA WATCHING INTENTLY FOR ?SNACKS
Katahna surveying her world and watching what is happening around her. Every detail at Yamnuska reflects a thought out commitment to their wolf dogs and their well being. From carefully chosen enclosures to ensuring everyone has the best room mate. Every decision here is made with hard work, planning, care and love.
THE INDUSTRIAL LOOK
In this image of Katahna the Black and White again highlights the leading lines of the fence. It gives a more industrial feel to her environment. And shows the need that the wolf dogs have for a proper high fenced enclosure.
Her beautiful white coat glistens in the midday sun and and the color of the dirt, grass and fence fail to distract the viewer. Wolf Dogs look good in any color especially when being cared for at Yamnuska Wolf Dog Sanctuary.
QUINN THE WOLF DOG WITH THE MOSTEST PERSONALITY
This is Quinn and she is a very special wolf dog that is part of the Yamnuska family. She is special needs but that doesn’t affect how she lives her life. Her brothers in the same enclosure will play games like take her food and hide it from her. She is low vision and will eventually sniff it out and smart them out. As I walked by the last time I was there. I watched her dig out a sausage she had hidden for herself (outsmarted those boys again). The girl has the brains and the looks.
Quinn has a lung condition with lack of cilia that causes recurring pneumonia. She recently just got home from the vet hospital and is happy to be back with her brothers. Yamnuska is constructing a building for her that will be heated for the winter.
Consider visiting, shopping for their wonderful merch &/or donating to this great place. The Wolf Dogs depend on purchases and donations to keep thriving in their home.
I didn't even think about including a black and white photo of Quinn. She is the most Colorful Wolf Dog at Yamnuska so this best suits her lifestyle.
Sad Update, Our Dearest Quinn Has Crossed the Rainbow Bridge. You will be missed by many Quinn.
