After the rain
This year the rainy season was late in Zambia. But once it started, the rain came with a vengeance. Where we live in Lusaka, the area between the blocks of flats is for car parking. Drainage is poor and the ground has been compacted by the weight of cars. Not surprisingly, the area floods when it rains heavily.
Recently I was sitting with a neighbour outside her flat. As we discussed the unwelcome lake, the sun came out and bathed the car park in warm evening light. Excusing myself, I ran to get my camera. For two or three minutes we were treated to a glorious light show – just long enough to take a handful of pictures. Then the curtain dropped and the show was over.
The light and colours of Zambia have gradually weaned me off shooting exclusively in black and white. For many years I stubbornly refused to use colour and now I’m eating ‘humble pie’. What approach do you take to colour? I’m interested to hear.
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Written by Richard Alton
Photographer and writer, living in Zambia.
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I prefer b&w except sometimes. : )
digital, I always shoot in color, and I can convert to b&w if I want.
some pictures cry out for the colors, and some want the grittiness of [my] b&w.
my eyes tell me.
If you’d asked me before I moved to Zambia, Susan, I’d have been firmly in the ‘black & white’ camp – now I’m not so sure.
Some lovely subtle hues, Richard
Thanks, Eliot – warm, early evening light can be gorgeous.
I agree, not always black and white looks good because it depends with type of picture you are taking and also a place, light of the sun matters…just a thought.
You’re right, Yvette, but don’t make me eat any more humble pie please. I’m getting full.
Lovely reflections, Richard, I think the colour helps here
Thanks, David. The colour definitely adds something – that’s why I’m having to eat humble pie and admit that black and white aren’t always enough.