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  • Jennifer Dowd

Exploring My City Through Manual Mode and Black & White Photography - Aug 26, 2023

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. As an avid photographer, I've always believed that the act of capturing moments not only allows us to relive them but also helps us see the world through a different lens, quite literally.

This afternoon, I decided to embark on a photo walk through my city. Armed with my camera set to manual mode and black and white, I began to explore familiar streets, parks, and alleys. The act of wandering with a purpose, seeking out interesting angles and subjects, allowed me to clear my mind of everyday worries and anxieties. As I strolled along, I couldn't help but notice the intricate patterns of light and shadow on the city's architecture. The mundane transformed into the extraordinary through my lens. Every frame I captured felt like a piece of my own personal art.


As a photographer, I have always been captivated by the power of visuals. It's incredible how a simple shift in perspective, or in this case, switching to manual mode and black and white photography, can completely change the way you see the world. It's like peeling back layers of reality and revealing the raw emotions and textures that often go unnoticed in our daily lives.

Manual mode is like the holy grail for photographers. It gives you complete control over your camera settings, allowing you to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to create the perfect exposure. This level of control empowers you to capture scenes in ways that auto mode simply cannot. By taking the time to set up my shots manually, I found myself slowing down and truly immersing myself in the moment.


Turning my camera to black and white mode added another layer to this experience. It stripped away the distraction of color, forcing me to focus on composition, contrast, and the interplay of light and shadow. Black and white photography has a unique way of conveying emotion, and it encourages you to find beauty in simplicity.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing. As the day went on and I continued my photographic adventure, I started to feel the physical toll of walking, crouching, and climbing to get that perfect shot. By the time I got home, I was soaked with sweat, and I resembled a ripe tomato due to the relentless sun. But at that moment, I realized it was all worth it.


My adventure into manual mode and black and white photography not only provided me with a creative outlet but also offered me a new perspective on the world around me. It helped me rekindle my love for my city and allowed me to see its beauty in a whole new light.


In a world that often moves too quickly, taking the time to wander and capture moments in manual mode with a black and white lens is a therapeutic escape. It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and savor the small joys that can make a big difference in our mental health. So, grab your camera, step out into the world, and see it differently through the lens of creativity and mindfulness because you never know what cuteness you'll run into like this guy.


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