A great response, and a great variety of talent to look at.
Here are our 33 great images - please enjoy them and think about which is your favourite because 'you' may be the next one to choose :)

If you missed out this time and still wish to join in just post your B/W image on any Wednesday and send me the address by pm,(rather than posting here) which makes it easier for me to keep track with the help of email alerts.

In view of the large number of entries please limit your submissions to one per person for now. After you are 'chosen' please submit another if you wish.

I will make the first selection fairly quickly to get the ball rolling.
When your image is chosen please post your choice here (and why you chose it) and pm the artist as well.

With this number of entries there is no need to wait until the next Wednesday to make your selection - better to keep things moving and apart from me adding new submissions as they arrive it should be self propelling.
To keep informed I suggest you click 'Subscribe' to this discussion if you have not done so :)

Finally I would just like to emphasize that this is not a serious 'contest' to find the 'best' image but rather a fun chance to take part and choose a favourite.

Thanks for participating and Happy Viewing !




“A picture is a secret about a secret, the more it tells you the less you know.”
― Diane Arbus

Having viewed each image at length it is clear that much effort and thought has gone into them all and making a choice has proved more difficult than anticipated. I thought one would leap out at me ! I loved the variety of subjects and styles.
There is something in each and every one that strikes a chord, makes me think, or simply admire the quality.
Being able to view this number of monochrome images in one bunch has given me a greater appreciation, and an encouragement to try more b/w work myself.

I went away for a while and several stayed in my mind but the one that just would not go away is the one I have chosen.


My choice as my favourite for today is The Last Wave by Heroictitof (Christophe)



It is an attractive image, the silhouette of the running man with space in front of him for him to run in to holds the composition together. The setting sun signals the end of the day and I wonder where he is running to. Is he running home thinking about the day past or what the evening holds, or is he contemplating another surf session before dark. I would like to know! Is he a loner or are his friends further up the beach ? Maybe he even stole the surfboard and he is running away with it (no, I am sure that is not the case !)
I can chose any interpretation for this picture story :)
The moving waves draw the eye well into the scene and once the figure has run out the other side of the photo there is a beautiful sunset picture.
Good tonal contrasts and great timing to capture the sun before it disappeared from view.
It looks well on my desktop. Très bon !!

Your turn to choose now Christophe :)

Well done Lyn, and well done Christophe too...that's a cracker of a post!...

Thank you so much for choosing my work Lyn !!
I really appreciated your kind words my friend !
This lonely surfer was running to another spot to ride his last wave of the day.
I was taking the sunset and he has passed before my camera.
Thanks to the tripod, the silhouette is sharp enough.
I didn't know when I would post this shot on Caedes and your idea of a B&W contest made me work this photo. So, thanks you for motivating my creativity, Lyn !!

As Lyn asked me, I made my choice in this contest list : Peregrine

I think that this photo is better than mine. The gradations and the blurs are very artistic. The sharpness and the framing are excellent... This is a masterpiece !!

Congrats Christopher!

Congrats Chris....Lyn, I want my cookies back!

Congratulations are not only due to Christopher/(Heroictitof) and Mike/(mschaper) but to all other participants as well... and especially to LynEve for the way she organized and conducted this first of B&W Wednesday Challenges!  ☺

EJ... You'll probably have to give-up on those cookies you sent her... by the time they got to her they were probably stale and definitely would be so by the time they got back to you! You'd probably enjoy them more simply buying yourself another bag of 'em...  ☺

Congratulations Chris .

Congratulations to those whose images have been chosen as favorites so far...and to all who took part in this as well...some really fine imagery submitted...a big Thank-you and congratulations to Lyn for initiating and managing a successfull challenge...there was a great level of participation for this and I really hope we can keep it going.

If I understand correctly it is now Mike's turn (mschaper) to choose a favorite....

Good job Lynn orchestrating this 'side' contest:) Looking forward to another round:):)

If I have this down correctly it is now my turn to choose my favorite. Very tough decision since there are so many fine entries.
After careful thought I choose Bryce Canyon Light. The rich contrasts really appeal to me and Bryce Canyon is an incredible
landmark. A beautiful image that captures the spectacular land formations of a truly unique location.
I also wish to thank Christoph for the kind comments and choosing my image as one of his favorites. Lyn has really come up with a brilliant project that I hope everyone will continue to contribute to.

Congratulations to all of the winners so far, there are some very talented members on Caedes. Kudos to Christophe, Mike, and Nathan.

Great images chosen so far and still plenty more to chose from - thanks to everyone for joining in !

Thank you Lyn for putting this together!

I am wondering if Nathan is still on holiday, but hopefully he will see this soon and make his choice so we can keep rollin'.

In the meantime another Wednesday if fast approaching so if you have not entered, your image will be welcome. If you have been 'chosen' already you are welcome to upload another :)
LE

I guess I misunderstood. I didn't realize that we would do this every wednesday.

Congrats to all the winners. I thought we had to enter one each week. I am a little slow so please forgive me. Did I mention I was old too?

Tick - you're not alone - I thought the same thing - with the same reason - old and slow ;-) Thad

Hmmm... I thought the same thing about entering a new image each week, sort of a new contest each week. I must have misunderstood.

No, it just continues on with extras added each week, until interest wanes and there are no more to chose from. :)

Sorry for confusion !

OK folks to keep things moving and with my apologies to Nathan I have decided to select another image which is Thad's (luckyshot) On an Autumn Morning
I was drawn to this image for its obvious beauty and the real atmosphere of a chilly early morning with the promise of sunshine to come. The sunrays are beautiful even in black and white.

Nice one Thad, and now I shall leave it to you to make your choice (and pm the artist please)

Hey Lyn where do we post new images? In the old thread or this one? ~ Chris

Please send image title or address by pm - makes it easier for me not to miss any - thanks.

Lyn - Thank you for selecting 'On an Autumn Morning'. I very much appreciate it. As we know, morning and evening photos opportunities can change by the minute. The sun burned off the fog and within minutes the rays of light were replaced by bright sunshine for the day, the mood of a foggy scene gone for the day.

So, now it is my turn to select an image. Talented photographers and manipulation software folks make this a challenge. Looking at each of the entries, I am selecting Mary's (Solita17) 'B&W Wednesday Skunk Cabbage'. Why a smelly plant that grows in swamps? Her B/W presentation has presented the leaves of the swamp cabbage with a delicate softness. The contours of the leaves, with their pronounced veining, is notable. The point of view leads the eye into the unseen heart of the plant. A good photo should let the mind ponder what we don't see as part of its story. She accomplishes that with this photo. ~Thad

Thank you Thad, and a fine choice you made :)

STOP PRESS ! If anyone wants to enter a second image this Wednesday please do so. I am bowing to popular demand lol so ignore my previous request for just one - now it is one each Wednesday.
To clarify - the current images will stay listed and new ones will be added.
Just pm me with your image name or address.

I want to thank you, Thad, for choosing my image of the lowly skunk cabbage! I had to crouch close to it and hold my breath to get a clear picture... my tripod was safe at home at the time... And thank you, Lyn, for organizing this! I missed this week but I'll be picking it up on the other end of next week for sure.

My selection is Chris's "The Scream" (coram9)... The light falling on the flower surrounded by all that negative space makes it exquisitely clear, one can see all the details. It's presented off-center and to me appears both beautiful and sinister at the same time. Chris mentions that it's an invasive plant, which is also pretty sinister as invasive species tend to crowd out native ones... And then there's that face: scrunchy-eyed, with a sort of piggy nose and the mouth open in a scream of extreme displeasure... Perfect for October 31st too!
mary

Thanks to all for participating and congrats to those already chosen.

13 NEW IMAGES ADDED TO LIST

It's a bit late..(or Early) mods were inactive!

but here's my ten cents worth

Battery at Ready

As the last person chosen above I believe it is my turn to tag someone to select next weeks winner. I am torn between two images from those listed above, and others posted on, or around, Wednesday.

My first choice was Sinestro's Grasses. This is a very understated image, that only comes to life when enlarged full screen. I like the subtle shading and texture forming an almost abstract piece of work. I do feel that a touch more depth in the shadows would have enhanced it further.

However, my choice this week is Rozem's Abstract Layers. To me this epitomises the use of B&W. I goes beyond simply desaturating an image. The use of light and shadow, the smooth abstract lines, and the way John has exploited the full dynamic range to create a pleasing, almost peaceful image.

So, John, the baton passes to you to choose the best B&W image from next Wednesday's uploads.

A nice choice Chris.

It seems John's 'Absctract Layers' was not on the list - either because I missed it or it was never entered. I have added it now.

John - there is no need to wait until next Wednesday, your choice can be made from any of the images listed above.

We had a turnover of 6 chosen last week, and I hope there will be a few more this time before next Wednesday, to keep things moving along.
We have a lot of images to get through !

John has let me know he has selected Battery at Ready

I hope he will return and tell us what he especially liked about this image :)

Now the baton is handed to Dunstickin (Bob) who will name his favourite from the list :)

My appreciation to John (rozem061) for selecting my image

I have studied those that are left..and I must say I had a difficult job!...all on there are worthy of a place

The one I selected is The Arcades by Raj Ramad .. .. ..

I found this really interesting..the tones working so well with the lines of those buildings, even the shadows catching the arches and the subtle reflections on the water make the eye look further into the picture...great depth also to this piece along with a good DoF...

It's all yours now Raj

I have looked at all images carefully and have chosen Let's Worship by Bruce (Flmngseabass). I chose this image because it has a very nice light and shadow effect, a beautiful little church in sharp focus and also the scenery around the church looks very attractive.

So now Bruce, it is your turn.

I'll post my 'opening statement' in the morning after a good night's sleep zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz:):)
"Yawnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn", is it morning already? Well, first of all thank you to Raj -aka ::Ramad, for his selecting my image as his favorite and his kind words:):) Thanks buddy. So, I have done the same and have studied the current images and I must say, I had two or three favorites including Dan's "Chamber Door" and Richie's "Kampong Sogohbut but alas, what really just jumped right off the old monitor was Marsha's "The Eye Of The Stallion"!! Here
A really wonderful capture but not only the subject but her perspective and that stark white BG sets this beautiful creature off so well and how could anyone stare down this horse with his all piercing eye staring you down with such power!!!!! A winner for sure Marsha!! Are we having fun yet?? Off to work now so Marsha have a great day and now it's your turn:):)

First, I want to thank Bruce for selecting Eye Of The Stallion , I appreciate it. As some of you already know horses have always been in my life and are a passion of mine .
Secondly , it is difficult to select a favorite . There are so many fine works of art , they all have their merit . I have selected " U.S. Mail - circa 1868 "by Kathy aka trixxie17. To me it is a historic shot that was made for black and white . It has wonderful detail and clarity as well . So Kathy ... tag you're it !
Thanks again , Bruce.
Marsha

Link to Marsha's pick:


U.S.Mail-circa 1868

oopsie! :)

I want to thank Marsha for her choice of my image as her her favorite - I really appreciate it. That image presented a bit of a challenge to convert and get clarity on the writing on the old wagon. I was drawn to my choice as soon as it was posted - it's Chamber Door by fifthbeatle aka Dan. I loved the composition of this image and the varying tones as well as being drawn to the beautiful antique leaded glass window. So Dan I'm throwing the frying pan to you and let's see what you've got cookin'. Again my thanks to Marsha.

Kathy

Thank you Kathy for picking my door shot, I'm glad you took notice of it! Almost any color shot can be converted to a nice black and white image but it really gets down to the lighting. If the lighting is pleasing and the tones are strong in greys and blacks, then the image will work well, even if the original was full of color, as this one was. Thanks again, Trixxie!

Now as far as my pick, I have to go with MustangGirl95's shot called 'City Slick Detroit'. I thought it was a cool shot from the start esp with the idea of the side view mirror. Very creative and the stand alone image in the mirror is quite impressive! So now its your turn, Kayla, good luck!

Link to Dan's pick:

City Slick Detroit

Kia Ora Everyone,
Thanks to you all for your enthusiastic participation in the Challenge :)

6 great new entries added to choose from

Congrats to all that already have images selected.
Remember folks this is for fun and reading your reasons for choosing your favourites is all part of it.
In my opinion the standard is high and all images have been worthy of consideration and are there to be enjoyed by all.

Thanks to Dan for choosing Kayla's City Slick Detroit.
Kayla must be busy so with apologies to her I shall choose an image this time to keep us moving. I will do this after 2 or 3 days in future as I realise everyone can not always be here.

My favourite for today is Help Your Fellow Man by 100k_xle (EJ)

The restrained HDR effect which I usually associate with coloured images has worked so well in this b/w giving an almost surreal atmosphere. It has a wide tonal range and the splash of red gives added interest. I also like the accompanying story which gives extra meaning to it.

EJ, I hand over to you now to post your choice and pm the artist. :)

Thanks Lyn, Much Appreciated!

My Choice is Tiggers, Inside Out_ B&W.

Love the Capture, POV and Feel of the Image. Well Done!

Your up Tigs.

Thanks Lyn, Much Appreciated!

My Choice is Tiggers, Inside Out_ B&W.

Love the Capture, POV and Feel of the Image. Well Done!

Your up Tigs.

There were several that grabbed my attention, but the one that really touched me was The Rose . The black and white was perfect for this one, and the placement of the rose was a thought provoking idea.

Okay japio it's your choice now.

Japio has asked me to post his choice of Satin Shadows by Akeraios

Thank you Jaap, I agree this is a lovely study of curves and swirls.

Your turn now Hannah

Looking forward to your pick and could you please pm the artist :)

I'm submitting this for the challenge Wild Mountain Hydrangea - Kauai

Three new images added :)

Anyone still wanting to submit just drop me a pm and I will add it.

Three more added, so 6 new ones for this Wednesday

Well, whenever I can actually see the pictures I'll pick one ...

Thanks Hannah.

It seems that some have deleted their images as well, as 4 links no longer work. Says the images no longer exist on the site. I will fix that up when images are again visible. I would be good if anyone removes their entries they could let me know to save having to check each link individually :)

Thank you Japio/Jaap.

There were three or four that I wavered between, but I'm going to vote for what I think is the most creative one:
Black and White Thinking.
And I'd really like to see more of that text - the parts I could read were quite intriguing!

It also reminded me of the interesting article in Smashing Magazine that I read this morning: The Organic Ambigram.

Thanks Hannah, and I enjoyed the link!

Here is my choice: Mountain Goats. I like the wild shadows and the stark grittiness of the walls! They look as though they feel safe up there.

Your turn now Pat :)

Thank you, Tootles...very honored to have my image chosen.

As some have already mentioned, very hard to choose just one but I'm going to have to go with Stranger among the ruins

...so many great textures to enjoy in this one, love the color tones, so fitting I think for the subject matter, and I must admit to being partial to images with people involved and wondering what their 'story' is in relation to their surroundings...Bob's image is highly suggestive of a tale to be told.

Your turn OB...

Appreciate you picking my image 'Stranger among the Ruins' Pat!..

there's a lot of great choices in the list!

Okay..after a lot of deliberation I have chosen Trixxie 17 image of Study in B&W..

I found this really dramatic..the work draws your eye to the center of those blooms...it looks as if they are aglow, The detail is good and the image has a lovely bokeh to it

tones are good throughout..be a pleasure to 'Hang this on a Wall'

Well done Trixxie.....way to go...your turn!

Nice choices Pat & Bob ! :)

Thanks so much to Bob for his kind words and for choosing my image "Study in B&W". My choice is from luckyshot "Bull Cromwell". My first look at this put me in mind of Georgia O'Keefes skull paintings that are so iconic in the SW. I love the varied tones and the way the deep shadow falls on the right not to mention that it seem apropos to be against the textured cinderblock wall. So hats off to Thad(luckyshot) and the ball is now in your court.

Kathy

Link to Kathy's pick:


Bull Cromwell

I am choosing an image in Thad's place to keep things rolling.
My choice today is Sivraj's Hicksville Comes To Sittingbourne
I am attracted to this image because of the atmosphere it conveys - late night and the prospect of something tasty to eat. It is well composed and the border suits the picture very well. A good range of blacks grays and white bring extra life to the whole.

Nice one Ray - your turn now :)

Six new submissions added :)

There is still time to add yours if you wish !

Sivraj posted on the old thread so I have copied it here.
Nice choice :)
Hi Lyn,
I've chosen Calendar Lovelies_B&Wby ::tigger3.
It's well composed with the focus at the centre of the foreground flower and everything else progressively less focused. The tones are contrasty but still retaining the detail in the shadow areas and the whole thing perfectly framed in a complimentary border.
Regards
Ray

Looking forward to your choice Sandi :)

I was thrilled to learn that Sivraj, chose my image, thank you! My pick is "Horse" by Rvdb. what a unique creation that is, and it really drew my attention, and is now in my faves. Sandi

Horse

Link to Rob's unique 'Horse"

Your turn now Rob !

Rob has chosen the fine image Shady Tree Hill by chris_f2005

Chris - could you now choose your pick and post here. Thanks :)

Hi Lyn, Sorry for the delay. Thanks Rob for your selection of my piece. I think those passing me by as I laid on the side of the hill trying to get the exact angle for the shot had a blast as well.

For my selection I'm picking Ted's "Grain is Good." I just loved how much the grain added to the overall atmosphere of the image. It gave it great personality and an authentic vintage appeal. I'm always a sucker for the juxtaposition of the soft lines found prominently in nature and the hard lines of man's intrusion into that world. This definitely makes the hotel stand out in a powerful way against the distant mountains. Thanks for sharing the great capture Ted and good work on properly expressing this view with the proper use of grain. Cheers.

Message from Lightpainter [ 28/11/12 5:25 ]:
I selected Biffobear's "Kampong Sogoh" for B&W Wednesday. What made it stand out for me was that I had to spend some time taking it all in and imagining the story behind the picture.
Ted

Thank you Ted, and now it is your turn Richie :)

Two great new images so far this Wednesday.

Need more please !!!

Sinestros Dead Flowers.caught my attention.for the DOF and clarity....R

Thanks Richie, and a very nice choice.
Your link does not work.
Dead Flowers

Looking forward to Adam's choice next

Many thanks, Richie... it Is indeed an Honor! My selection is 357 Chevy Engine by ::100k_xle... for its Cleanliness, clarity, and Impeccable detail.

Thanks Adam.
EJ now in the hot spot :)

Any more submissions for this week folks?

Thanks Again Adam....Lyn, my choice for the next B&W is Skates Garden of The Gods-B&W Collage.

I chose it because it has 7 images in one and takes me on a Trip to somewhere I've never been before and tells a Story.

Lyn would you now please add Pat's Pic to the list of selected. Thanks.

Congrats Skates...The Ball is now in your Court!

E J

Thanks EJ, Garden of the Gods moved to first list.
Looking forward to your choice Pat'

Nine new images in total for this week. Still time to add yours !

I choose for the next B&W is Marzena (SAM) tigress for LE

Thank you Pat :)

Marzena - your turn !!

SAM could be on a mission...I'll see if I can track her down.

There has been some confusion and Marzena posted her choice on the old thread, and I only just caught up with it.
It is Jimbob's lovely
Andy

Thank you Marzena, and Jimbob, your turn now

Opps

My choice is casechasers Somewhere Storms I will PM to let him know, Lyn.

Thanks Jim :)
We are on the move !

Thank you for picking my picture, Jim. My choice is Tick'sThe Reverend Mr. Black's Woodshed. I liked the designs and geometry of the composition. The triangles, rectangles. The window not squared up in its place. The black and white and age of the building were perfect for each other. I will PM Tick, Lyn.

Thanks John - The Reverend's Woodshed has been duly elevated :)

Ticks pick now :)

Thanks Shads for choosing "The Reverend Mr. Black's Woodshed." You get to sit in the back pew and disregard the collection plate. I will take care of your donation today.

My choice is Forest Scene by Eubeen Hadd, or Wendell as we lovingly know him. I have done a lot of hunting over the years and have been in the forest when the fog is lifting and daylight is making the surroundings visible. Noises now have faces. The anticipation one feels as shapes reveal their true identity is unexplainable. He has captured that mood and the mystery with this shot. Plus, he's crazy as hell. Your pick now Wendell.

I will send him a PM

Thank you Tick, Eubeen is now in the pulpit to select his image :)

Thank you Wendell :)


Jaap - time for you to make another choice :)

Thanks Jaap and Lyn!

My choice for B&W is Owd Bobs Castle Door.

Great Image. Clarity, Sharpness and POV make this one POP for Me.

Your turn Bob.

Thanks you EJ :)

Time for Bob to go through the castle door and make his pick now !

Thank you Kindly EJ!...Much appreciated!

My selection is Paul Ygartua Chemainus Mural a wonderful capture by Con

A great capture of this artists work!...they details on those eyes are mezmerising

Go for it, the balls in your court now

Thank you Bob :)

Con - you're on !

From Con
my choice from amongst those that are noted as 'available for selection'... Graveyard Shift by Eubeen

So Wendell, you get another choice - well done !

Ok...! Let's all get this straight.... for Lyn!

Entries are 'messaged' to LynEve and selections are posted here!
As you can see, I didn't do things correctly... oh, yeah... Lyn also would very much appreciate us remarking as to why we made our choice! So...

I liked the visual effect of Wendell's picture on my 'brain'!... the image seemed to me to be enhanced by the b&w.  ☺
And of course Wendell's usual image qualities are there!

Of course my link to Graveyard Shift by Eubeen  ☺

Thank you Wendell :)

We now look forward to Steve's choice :)

Thank you Wendell, very kind of you.

I've chosen Fifthbeatle's Picnic Tables as my entry I love the patterns that can be found out there.