I explored the neighborhood of Palmetto Beach this afternoon and the odd and sadly interesting structures that remain on stilt foundations just off the seawall in McKay Bay. (I've posted about this fascinating place a couple of times before - a funky local bar with a shark, HERE, and an old world gasoline station with a 1930s soul, HERE.) At one time this sagging structure was connected to the land and was a bait house, sold fresh fish or something similar tied to its distinctive location. . The best shrimp in the entire area comes in at dock that are roughly a mile or less from here on the south side of the 22nd Street Causeway. Because of storms or rot, their docks no longer lead to the structures so they sit surrounded by water and inaccessible except by wading out or by boat. I don't know about their ownership, legal status or future, but as subjects for the camera I thought this one was perfect. Sitting out in the water, with the vast Florida sky framing it with the blue and giant white clouds, it was a photograph waiting to be taken.What i did was shoot it in color and black and white, but that wasn't my intention. My initial shots were for MONOCHROME Weekly. After shooting the image above, I shot a few in color. I was so torn between posting the monochrome without showing the color that I couldn't decide which I liked best. So, I've posted one of the color images at Tampa Florida Photo HERE. Which do you prefer of this particular subject.
I am so grateful to for presenting me and other photographers with the challenge each week of really seeing the world around us in black and white. I appreciate the vast difference between the two and love to search around me for images that scream monochrome - they just ;look best that way. Finding a scene like this one was unexpected and problematic. I'd be interested to know what you think.
If you love your world in black and white, be sure and visit some of the world's most interesting places and experience the incredible photographic artistry of Monochrome Maniacs!
13 comments:
Hi Frank, I did the same thing I posted the b&w version at Something Sighted and color at my Newtown blog. After looking at both of your photos I prefer the color. I also checked out your other links and I remeber that amazing shark from June.
I started a meme called Weekend Reflections and both of todays photos would be perfect for it.
If you have photos with any type of reflection I'd love to have you join in. It's every weekend starting on Friday.
Fascinating subject, Frank. I was all set to put my vote on the black and white until I saw the red roof . . . I am now leaning towards the color one. Interesting . . . I like the reflection in the black and white better.
I believe I like the monochrome a bit better. The reflection is great. Nice photo.
lovely shot!
Man, this is a tough one. The B&W is great. I wouldn't change a thing. The old building set out in the water just works in mono. Yep, The color shot is good too, but the B&W wins here.
It does look much better in B&W after checking out the color photo.
I like this so much, I will give the colour a miss.
Great sky.
I'm going for the monochrome. Makes me think of the James Lee Burke novels in the bayou areas
It looks more like it's stranded.
I prefer the B & W - it looks like an old photograph from a family vacation in the 1960's.
@ James - I do like your b/w version best, but the color is very strong, too. I may join your reflections group this Friday, although that is Skywatch Friday, which I almost never miss, so I'll give it some thought. (I wish Reflections was another day...Skywatch is pretty popular.)
Thank you for your comments. I really appreciate it.
@ Slim - I had the darnedest time deciding between the two. I really like the water in the color version.
I really like them both. There is something about that b&w that speaks to the abandonment of the building. However, the colors in the color one are just exquisite. A perfect case for shooting in both b&w and color.
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