Decisions, decisions.....

I've admitted that I'm going to start the self education process so here it goes.......

This is the question.  Color?  Black and White?  Which is your favorite?  For me I have a hard time deciding. 

When Mark and I got married I was lucky enough to have a photographer and his wife come and take our pictures.  He took all the colored photos and his awesome wife took the more photojournalistic, black and white pics.  Probably because my makeup was WAY over done....thank you Clinque lady at the counter at Northpark Mall who apparently misunderstood this was for MY WEDDING DAY not some drag queen convention, I was less than thrilled with the color photos.  Mark was sweet and complimented me multiple times that day, however the one comment that I only remember was, "You look different."  What?  Different?  Eek.  He will kill me for sharing that, but honestly, I would agree.  I had a little cat eye inspired makeup fiasco going on with my face.  So, on with the point, since the colors and shine of my face were so "bright", I really wasn't "in love" with my color photos.  However, the black and whites were marvelous.  Oh, I love every single one of the black and whites.  The depth, the sophistication, the elegance. That's when I fell in love with the contrast of black and white.

So.  I'm learning.  I'm trying my hand at color photos as I am IN LOVE with color photos from other photographers who do an amazing job in post editing with their fabulous computer program skills. Enough with the chatter though.  Last night Mark and his dad were needing to practice some of their music before they went back into the studio today.  Musical instruments are beautiful to me.  Especially my father in laws fiddle.  The craftsmanship of the hollow body and the cutouts of the bridge make for great photos.  I also love the bow.  The horsehair that is so taunt on the wood is so beautiful and when its tension is released to hang it gives a lovely effect.  Besides it being a beautiful instrument, my father in law is an amazing musician and he can make that thing sing.  

Feeling like tickling the ole' ivories?

Mark's guitar also made for some pretty photos as I was really trying to capture up close pictures with sharpening my focus at specific points on the guitar and hoping that the.....oh wait for it.....my new term that I've taught myself.......bokeh... is just right.  Ooooh!  I'm loving this!  I feel all sorts of skills coming over me.  Not really, but I'm trying......As you can see with the fiddle I was doing the same thing. 

Last of all, I decided to photo my dusty decorative curly cue sticks that reside in the corner and only get looked at when my kids decide to pull them out and start sword fighting.  So let's just remember that, shall we?  Hey, I have 3 kids something has to give?  I really liked photographing these because of the different depths that I was able to achieve with the....I'm embarassed to type this....cobwebs....hanging off of these sticks.  I really am shaking my head after photographing this and then posting it for the world to see.  But in a strange way, I think it is kind of pretty.  I also think it is because of it being in black and white it looks artistic.  I definitely wouldn't think that if it were in color.

There you have it.  A freakin' long post about my take on dusting.....just kidding.  Color vs. Black and White.  What do I need to work on?  Now lets not be too hard on me.  Remember: I am just a beginner! ;)