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If you are unable to visit our gallery and would like to purchase photographs from this preview or others in the gallery, please contact the gallery and call 585-271-2540.

 

Gallery Picks of the Show

Black & White Invitational

January 21 - February 16, 2025

Gallery Partners have chosen our "Picks of the Show"
by Guest Photographers

click here to return to the details of the exhibit

All images copyright by the individual photographers


Untitled 1 by Bruno Chalifour

 

Untitled #1
By Bruno Chalifour

This evocative photograph by Bruno Chalifour, from his series inspired by his native region of Limousin, France; masterfully demonstrates the essence of black and white photography.  The scene was captured on April 1st- a poignant reminder of climate change’s unsettling impact, as snowstorms in early spring are not the norm.

The image captures a winding path flanked by bared trees, with the winding path serving as a visual guide, leading the eye into the frame and suggesting a journey or introspection. The play of light and shadow, though subdued during the storm, enhances the mood of solitude. The barren branches, dusted with snow, echo themes of resilience and vulnerability, evoking an emotional response.  The fine texture of the snowflakes, seemingly suspended in motion, suggest the intensity of the storm, while framing the background trees in a surreal, dreamlike haze.

Bruno’s belief that black and white photography returns to the roots of the medium is evident here. The absence of color removes distractions, urging us to focus on the intricate interplay of light, texture and form.  The image transcends mere documentation, transforming into a powerful commentary on how climate unpredictability distorts the natural rhythm of familiar landscapes.

By capturing the unusual snowfall in his childhood landscape, Bruno bridges past and present, nostalgia and alarm. The result is both timeless and timely, beautifully reinforcing his artistic philosophy and environmental message.

By Marie Costanza

 

 

Park Bench by Boris Keller

 

Park Bench
by Boris Keller

This photograph is a wonderful example of how one can go beyond making a photograph as a straight portrait and give the viewer much more information about the subject.

The technique that Boris uses is “gesture” …. capturing how this woman expresses so much information by simply how she sits on the park bench, tilts her hat and looks away from the camera.

She has a relaxed, almost contemplative pose, her black and white outfit works well with the black and white format of the photograph. The background is blurred, focusing the viewer on just the bench and the woman.

Her hat is tilted, her arms are stretched out and she looks comfortable…but what is the story of the photograph?

One can make all kinds of “stories” about what is going on, which is the mark of a great photograph…. making you think about it more than just a cursory look that many of us have when viewing an exhibition of photographs and then walking on to the next photo. Looking at this photo for a while, questions such as “who is she waiting for?”, “is she happy or sad?”, "why is she sitting alone in a park?” along with many others can come to mind.

The composition is excellent, the woman is not rigid but almost fluid-like as she reclines on the bench, capturing and controlling the entire length of the bench with her outstretched arms. She does not sit upright but at an angle, adding to the composition and the mystery of this photograph.

By Steve Levinson

Trees in the Mist by Tom Knauss

 

 

Trees in the Mist: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
By Tom Knauss

This is Tom’s first of three shows as a Visiting Artist. According to his artist statement, he is focusing on the concept of "realism," aiming to depict exactly what the photographer sees. A prime example of this approach is his photograph Trees in the Mist. The image contrasts the upper three-quarters, which appear monotone with cool light mist and blurred trees, with the warm golden hues of the tall grass in the foreground. Together, these elements create a serene and calming atmosphere.

The photograph was likely taken in late fall or early winter, before snow blanketed the ground. The trees stand bare, yet the grass remains upright, untrampled by winter's arrival. Unlike many photographs with a distinct focal subject, Tom invites viewers to see the forest itself as the subject. The golden grass acts as a warm, welcoming introduction, drawing the eye into the forest and encouraging exploration. The trees, evenly spaced, vary in size, creating a dynamic rhythm that makes the viewer's gaze wander naturally throughout the scene. The mist deepens the sense of perspective, adding an ethereal quality to the image. It even sparks curiosity—could there be critters hidden somewhere in the background?

Tom’s choice of a wooden frame complements the natural elements of the scene and enhances the image's overall presentation. Like many accomplished photographers, Tom returned to this location five times, waiting for the perfect light to bring out the softness and tonal harmony of this intimate vista. Thank you, Tom, for sharing this beautiful moment.

By Dick Bennett

Lower Falls by Devin Mack

 

Lower Falls Letchworth
By Devin Mack

Devin uses his experience as a seasoned photographer to capture this black-and-white image of a dramatic natural scene of a waterfall amidst rugged cliffs and dense foliage.

This photo uses leading lines effectively, with the river drawing my eye from the foreground to the waterfall in the background. The vertical cliffs on the left and the dense vegetation on the right create a balanced frame, guiding me toward the central focus—the waterfall.

The tonal contrast is well-handled, showcasing a broad range of grays that highlight the textures of the rock, water, and foliage. The mist rising from the waterfall adds a sense of movement and drama, contrasting the stillness of the cliffs and trees.

Devin has captured excellent depth. The foreground detail transitions seamlessly into the midground river and background waterfall, creating a sense of immersion. The use of depth gives me the feeling of standing within the scene, not merely observing it.

The texture of the rocks, rushing water, and foliage are sharp and intricate. This detail enhances the natural feel of the scene and draws my attention to the ruggedness of the landscape.

As with all of Devin’s work, this image excels in its technical aspects and effectively conveys the beauty of a natural landscape.

By Don Menges

Rochester Abandoned Subway by Patty Singer

 

Rochester Abandoned Subway
By Patty Singer

Patty Singer’s Rochester Abandoned Subway -Johnson and Seymour Millrace captures the haunting beauty of an urban relic frozen in time. The photograph’s black and white format heightens its atmospheric quality, emphasizing the stark geometry of concrete beams and the interplay of light and shadow within the derelict space.

The reflective surface of the standing water adds a surreal depth, doubling the scene and creating a mirror-like effect that amplifies the sense of desolation and eeriness. Graffiti-covered walls inject subtle bursts of expression and history, hinting at human interaction with the forgotten infrastructure. The illuminated archways in the background, spilling soft light into the darkened expanse, act as focal points that draw the viewer deeper into the frame, perhaps symbolizing hope or escape within the otherwise oppressive environment.

Patty’s composition balances the weight of decay with artistic precision, turning the abandoned subway into a visual narrative of industrial decline and urban memory. The image is both a document of Rochester’s past and a meditation on the intersection of abandonment and artistry, where forgotten spaces can still inspire contemplation.

Congratulations, Patty on your Gallery Pick.

By Marie Costanza

   

 
Image City Photography Gallery  ♦   722 University Avenue  ♦    Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540
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