Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Black and White Wednesday - " a softer look "

Dahlia white rose 027

It's been a year since I've been participating in Lisa's photo challenge and though I've really enjoyed exploring all the nuances of black and white photography (and enjoying all the variations on all the other blogs) I tend to lean toward one particular style.

Which is a good thing (when you're trying to establish a business and need to be unique and identifiable) but lately I've had a craving for a softer look.

My bent is to go to the extreme. (Did I surprise anyone?) And with black and white I automatically boost the blacks, the exposure, the contrasts and shadows and highlights. See.......? That's a lot of boosting.

Dahlia white rose 008-2

So, I deliberately went the other way. Not too much 'cause........somebody cue the intro to "I gotta be me"! Ahem....sorry.

Dahlia white rose 069

But enough so I sat back and said "oh, that's just so purdy and soft" and I don't say that a lot when I look at my pictures. I usually say something like "yeah....BAM.....and Bam again!!!

Dahlia white rose 077

the long road

Dahlia white rose 083-2
Ok....maybe a bit too soft here but I was having fun!

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One things for sure - I could never get tired of looking at "that face"!

I still pinch myself that she's mine.

24 comments:

Kayce said...

Wanda your pictures are always beautiful, soft or not! And yes I can see why you never tire of looking at your girl, she is beautiful! Have a fabulous Wednesday!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous as always! I love the softer look, but as you said, it's still 'you'! Beautiful!

Vrinda said...

The baby in the pic is so beautiful. very nice snaps..

Vrinda

Alyson and Ford said...

Beautiful, especially how the light illuminates her face. Yes, you are her sweet mommy!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Buckeroomama said...

Beautiful, Wanda!! That second pic is breathtaking. :)

Love Letters To China said...

These are beautiful Wanda. Your daughter is gorgeous and looks amazing any way you process your photos.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Hugs..

Dita said...

Purdy and Soft? How about GEORGEOUSITY! Fun to see you stepping out of your comfort zone and having a good time.

Honestly, how could you go wrong with the perfect model right under your fingertips?

6 months and counting until we're cuttin' it up in our hotel room Philly....in the HEAT!

xoxoxoxo
Dita Darling

Sharon said...

She is stunning! I love them all, her eyes are amazing, but that last picture...there is just something about it....Love it!

Gail said...

Wanda, I love your style no matter what you choose! It's pretty hard to improve on how stunning miss D is....
and I adore the last one of her.

Hope you're staying warm!

xo

Gail :)

4D said...

Lovely!! Not hard with such talent and beauty...subject and photographer.

Keep smilin!

Freckles & Dimples Photography said...

When I come over to visit your blog, I depend on seeing 'wow' photos that pop - I think that you have a definite style and your editing is done beautifully! these are gorgeous shots

Pix-Ology said...

Can these girls get more beautiful? Gorgeous pictures Wanda, you are an amazing mommatographer!

the Lola Letters said...

Who could ever get tired of looking at that face? She is a complete and total doll! I know I can't get enough of her. And you know what else I can't get enough of? Your love for her. Your amazing love. I see it in every picture. Love it! Love you!

Oh, I am going to show up as Lola because I did our communal global post and never logged out. You know it is me though, right?

Me, Becky ; )

Ashley Sisk said...

I love these softer black and whites.

Unknown said...

Wanda - gorgeous shots of your beautiful girls!
Blessings - Jill

Erika B said...

I think you really have a unique style. Your black and white are always stunning and my favourite this week is the very last shot.

Erika B

Rosie Grey said...

Beautiful portraits - they look so great in black and white!

Marla said...

Oh my, these are just gorgeous, I love a good contrasty (is that a word?) black and white, but the soft ones are so purdy too!

That last one is just STUNNING!

Unknown said...

gorgeous images!!!

Mama Hen said...

Absolutely beautiful! Your talent jumps out of the computer each time I visit my friend! I can't pick a favorite because they all are so wonderful! How are you saving all of these for your beautiful girls? Do you print them and put the photos in an album? I have gotten behind in making books and now I feel like there are so many great pictures that I am not sure what to do with. I hope you are doing great my friend! We have more snow! Have a great night!

Mama Hen

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Wanda they are all beautiful!!! And the model you have there is gorgeous!!!!!!! Happy Wednesday to you!!!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I agree with everyone else.... soft or very contrasty, she is a STUNNING BEAUTY and we never tire of seeing her pretty little face:)

It is fun to try something new and a little scary at the same time to step out on that ledge...... but it helps us grow!!

Can't wait to see more photos of your lovely little ladies:)

Enjoy the rest of your week and stay warm my friend~

xo,

Lisa

Lisa said...

Beautiful and unique, just as I would anticipate and expect from the equally beautiful and unique talent behind the camera!

I love that you are stretching yourself now too into different directions and taking all the rest of us along for the joyful ride! The scenery (Miss D) is beathtaking :) and the company fabulous!

XOXO

Our family said...

Oh Wanda, you are simply the best!!!! I ADORE all of your photos!!!!!!!! And of course your 'subjects' are deliciously adorable!!!!

xo

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Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!) We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home. This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!
God. My (growing) family. Hangin' out with my girlies. My wonderful friends (you know who you are!). To laugh (out loud and a lot!). Music. Painting. Hugs. Long chats with my buds. My garden. To read (ha...when I can!). Sunshine. Spring, Spring and more Spring. Building things. Cooking. Decorating. Parties (ahem). The internet. Life. Movies. A.I. Dancing with the stars. So you think you can dance. Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off. Oh Gee...everything actually!!
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