Montreal, a city steeped in history and European charm, beckoned me with its allure. As a resident of New England, it was only a short drive to the Canadian border, making it the perfect destination for my photography adventure. The idea to explore Montreal with my camera came unexpectedly, sparked by an impromptu invitation from my cousin. I embraced the opportunity to capture the city’s unique architecture, culture and, most importantly, to challenge myself by shooting exclusively in black and white, something that I haven’t attempted before.
Arriving in Montreal, I was immediately struck by its European ambiance. The blend of Gothic and Modern architecture gave the city a distinct character. The French-Canadian language added to the illusion of being in Europe, making it unlike any other place I had visited. What stood out the most was the city’s cleanliness and its emphasis on pedestrian-friendly spaces for both walking and cycling. I prefer to approach new cities with minimal knowledge of their history and culture to experience everything with fresh eyes. This approach allows me to stay curious and capture the genuine essence of the city. Montreal, with its mix of modernity and unique French-inspired culture, left a lasting impression that I hope is captured in these images, ones that I chose to shoot in black-and-white.
To prepare for the black-and-white photography challenge, I drew inspiration from a friend and fellow photographer who had a deep appreciation for monochrome imagery. While I predominantly shoot in color, I decided to incorporate a small collection of black-and-white photos to expand my creative horizons. Color, I had learned through my professional background in digital and print design, played a pivotal role in storytelling within my photography, another character that could influence the mood, subject, or overall aesthetic of an image. However, the “noir challenge” I had set for myself presented intriguing hurdles and a chance to explore a different storytelling medium.
One of the most significant challenges I encountered when shooting in black and white is the obvious absence of color. For me, color had always been an integral element of my photographs, offering a rich and multidimensional aspect to my storytelling. Transitioning to monochrome photography made my images appear somewhat flat initially. Despite this, I persevered with the challenge throughout my trip. Yet, when I switched back to my color profiles, I noticed a profound difference in the overall quality and impact of my work. Shooting in black and white forced me to refine my focus on the subject, a skill I continue to develop in my street photography. I realized that my early photos in Montreal lacked a clear subject and focus, and I did not get the results that I desired. While I enjoy incorporating the surroundings into my compositions, stripping away color presented a unique challenge, as the details and depth seemed diminished.
When exploring a new city, I seek to uncover its meaning through my personal experiences. My photographic journey is an evolution, evident in the transformation from my first day to my last in a place. As I walked the streets of Montreal with my camera, I looked for the narratives I wanted to convey. One unique challenge in Canada was the politeness of its people. Often, I would wait for a subject to pass through my lens, as I enjoy capturing candid moments with strangers as part of my composition. However, passersby in Montreal often stopped or walked around me to avoid disrupting my photography, unknowingly altering my intended shots. Instead of resisting, I chose to focus on the city’s architecture and its nuanced details.
The riverwalk area emerged as a standout location for my black-and-white photography endeavor. This picturesque area provided ample space to create long-distance compositions with captivating leading lines. The vicinity around the Ferris wheel, dock, and riverwalk parks offered a diverse range of subjects. Shooting during the early morning, with the sun casting dramatic silhouettes across the river, delivered a different visual experience compared to color photography. The riverwalk also teemed with people engaged in various activities, providing me with a wealth of subjects. Many of my best photographs originated from this area.
Viewing Montreal through the lens of black-and-white photography expanded my appreciation for nighttime shooting. Despite the absence of in-body image stabilization in my camera, dimly lit areas presented intriguing challenges. However, shooting in black and white transformed the way I perceived light. Walking the streets of Montreal at night allowed me to observe how light interacted with its surroundings. Illuminated buildings, signs of restaurants and shops, and lantern-style streetlights became the defining character of the city after sunset.
Embarking on this challenge offered profound insights into my photography journey. It underscored the undeniable link between color and my perception of the world. Color serves as a crucial element in my work, influencing how I convey stories and emotions. Removing color proved to be a significant hurdle, fundamentally altering the appearance of my photos. However, pushing my boundaries allowed me to learn and continue to evolve my unique style. While I am open to future black-and-white photography endeavors, I believe that they will require a deliberate direction. Exploring Montreal for the first time, combined with the black-and-white challenge, provided fresh perspectives on the city, nighttime photography, and the enduring value of memory.
My journey in Montreal was a transformative experience that pushed the boundaries of my photography skills and artistic vision. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of photography to capture the essence of a place and the evolution of one’s creative journey. Montreal, with its rich history and captivating culture, provided the perfect backdrop for my exploration, leaving me with enduring memories and a renewed passion for the art of photography.
