The other day we were walking around a cute little area in Oakland after having ice cream and I saw this church. I’ve “seen” this church over the years probably since I was about seven but never really looked at it. Fortunately I had my camera, so I took a few shots as the sun was setting in the west. My mission lately is to see the light on things and to expand my horizons with black and white photography. I think it’s a good exercise to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I really want to improve and hope this exercise will get me there………eventually. 🙂
Church in Oakland, California
Laura Macky Photography 
February 22, 2014 at 8:07 am
Looks spooky!
February 22, 2014 at 8:13 am
I thought so too!
February 22, 2014 at 8:14 am
💀👽
February 22, 2014 at 8:17 am
hahaha
February 22, 2014 at 8:14 am
Well if this is your start you haven’t far to go to perfection… this is a brilliant composure…
February 22, 2014 at 8:17 am
Yay! Thank you so much. I guess it won’t be long till I’m published, hahahahaha.
February 22, 2014 at 8:38 am
nice imagery!
& i’ve enjoyed
the frozen desserts
in that neighborhood 🙂
February 22, 2014 at 8:41 am
Ah ha!!!! I know exactly where you mean…Fenton’s?? 🙂 And thank you. 🙂
February 22, 2014 at 8:50 am
Laura, I like the composition on this image a lot. However, on my screen the whites on the upper border of the building in the foreground are almost blown out and the darks are too dark to see the texture. It could be and probably is my screen. I also like the moodiness of the sky. Good luck with your endeavor into new directions. At least you’ll get more exercise by walking more – trusting to a positive knee.
February 22, 2014 at 9:05 am
I purposefully blew them out for effect. While I love the very realistic B&W’s, I was trying to be artful, but like I said it’s a learning process, so I appreciate the feedback.
February 22, 2014 at 9:04 am
As I mentioned on Google +, I love the contrast giving the architecture a strong, solid feel. As viewers, we’ll all have our interpretation of what we see. I kinda like the almost “infrared” contrast feel of the image (strong whites and dark darks). I agree that the composition is perfect! Bravo my friend!
February 22, 2014 at 9:06 am
Thank you Dan! It is all a matter of interpretation. At least I had the intention of blowing those areas out, lol. There was a method to my madness! bwahahaha
February 22, 2014 at 9:10 am
Allways nice to try something new! it looks good!
February 22, 2014 at 9:11 am
Thank you Belinda 🙂
February 22, 2014 at 10:50 am
Excellent shot and great angles.
February 22, 2014 at 10:52 am
Thank you so much!
February 22, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Agree that we should all get out of our comfort zone, and be pleasantly surprised. MM 🍀
February 22, 2014 at 1:09 pm
I really like the shadows you have capture in this image. You are on your way to wonderful black and whites. These seem to share story and a sense of drama.
February 22, 2014 at 1:51 pm
Thank you so much, Spencer. I’m enjoying the learning process.
February 22, 2014 at 1:39 pm
It is very Spanish in its architecture isn’t it?
Very beautiful though.
February 22, 2014 at 1:52 pm
It is! California is filled with Spanish architecture. One of these days I’d like to take photos of the missions that are sprinkled throughout the area. Thank you!
February 23, 2014 at 11:50 am
Wonderful. I love old architecture.
February 23, 2014 at 1:37 pm
Thank you, me too!
February 22, 2014 at 1:49 pm
I like the tones and shadows here.
February 22, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Thanks much!
February 22, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Majestic and mysterious. Great shot!
February 22, 2014 at 5:17 pm
Thank you much 🙂
February 22, 2014 at 8:34 pm
Is that across from Fentons?
February 22, 2014 at 8:45 pm
Yes it is!
February 22, 2014 at 8:53 pm
When you said ice cream… Where else but fentons
February 22, 2014 at 9:12 pm
Exactly. :). I’ve been going there since I was old enough to walk….of course, back then my parents took me lol. I love the Black and Tans!
February 23, 2014 at 5:32 am
You captured the special shading and form of this architecture perfectly in B&W.
February 23, 2014 at 6:42 am
Thank you Shelby! I appreciate it. I’m having fun learning about this.
February 23, 2014 at 4:58 pm
i first saw on Google+
fab.
February 23, 2014 at 5:17 pm
Ah ha ! Thank you. I usually test the images there first. 😉
February 23, 2014 at 9:19 pm
The contrast was fantastic, harkening back to Ansel Adams…!
February 25, 2014 at 7:55 am
Wow! This is in Oakland? Double Wow!
Great photo laura.
February 25, 2014 at 7:56 am
Double yes! lol Thank you so much!
March 2, 2014 at 9:00 am
what a beautiful photo, looks like a weston or adams print!
March 2, 2014 at 10:39 am
What a nice thing to say. Thank you! Happy Sunday!