Summary

Anne Bonfert explores the concept of contrast in photography through a series of images capturing contrasting elements in nature and her surroundings, emphasizing the importance of contrast in making photography interesting.

Abstract

In response to a photography challenge prompted by Kim's article on Medium, Anne Bonfert presents a collection of photographs that highlight contrasts found in her immediate environment. She captures the juxtaposition of life stages in a dandelion, the stark differences between protected and unprotected patches of grass, and the contrasting states of nature such as alive versus dead, clean versus littered, and hot versus cold. Bonfert reflects on the broader theme of contrast, noting that it doesn't always require opposites but simply elements that are different enough to stand out. Her work invites viewers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of contrasts in everyday scenes, from the serene river to the vibrant blooms of lilac trees, and even the textures felt while walking barefoot.

Opinions

Bonfert values contrast as a crucial element that adds interest and depth to photography.
She believes that life's contrasts, whether in landscapes, behaviors, or opinions, contribute to the richness of experiences.
Bonfert embraces the challenge of finding contrasts in her immediate surroundings, despite the initial comfort of familiar environments.
She expresses a personal connection to nature, choosing to explore contrasts without venturing far from home.
Bonfert acknowledges the impact of human activities on nature, particularly the littering of masks during the pandemic, and uses her photography to highlight this issue.
She advocates for the appreciation of contrasts beyond just opposites, suggesting that any notable differences can create a compelling contrast.
Bonfert's personal lifestyle choices, such as walking barefoot, are reflected in her photography, showcasing her intimate relationship with her environment.
She encourages others to join in the challenge of exploring contrasts and shares links to previous works in black and white photography.
Bonfert invites readers to engage further with her work by signing up for her email list or joining Medium's membership program.

PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE

Contrast is What Makes Photography Interesting

Looking for contrasts in nature and in my images

A contrasting image of an industrial harbor and wildlife. | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Life is full of contrasts. Wherever you go, you’ll find contrasting landscapes, behaviors, and opinions. Which is good. In my eyes, at least. If everyone and everything would be the same, life would be pretty damn boring.

And this is exactly what our new writing prompt is about. The photography challenge I started a few weeks ago with Shruthi brings us a lot of new ideas.

The theme for this week’s challenge I got from Kim‘s article “5 Fabulous Life Lessons from Travel and Photography”

“Look for contrasts today while you enjoy wherever it is you are. You can take an image that contains two contrasting things or take two images that contrast with each other.” — Kim Baker

Shruthi will comment again I should go out of my comfort zone and not only take photographs in nature, but this is my home. I would have to get into a car to get to a city or even a town. And I won’t do that. Not just for taking photographs. My car stays behind.

I captured whatever contrasts I found surrounding my home in the trailer park, starting with the two images of a dandelion. It’s the same flower in different stages of its life.

**Blooming versus withered stage of a dandelion.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

As I was walking to the office, I looked down onto this patch of grass. It looks a bit dry and sad. It’s our walkway. Surely it’s an established piece of the lawn, but you can clearly see where we walk and where the grass can grow freely.

And then there is a patch of ground that had been fenced off. Fresh grass seeds had been sown. And the first blades of grass are sprouting.

There is some kind of contrast between the two areas. Protected and not protected. Old patch of lawn and a new stretch of coming grass.

**Old versus new.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Then I was heading out for a paddle session on the river and admired the lush green shoreline. I placed green bushes against a pile of fallen trees.

**Alive versus dead.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Continuing my search for contrasts in nature I stumbled upon a patch of grass shining with blooming daisies. I love daisies. They might be common but beautiful after all.

And then there was this nasty piece of trash. In nature.

Untouched, pristine nature versus a littered piece of land.

The ugly side effects of the pandemic. People forgot how to recycle. Masks do not belong in nature.

**Clean versus littered.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Next up is the river I was paddling on. Calm and flat. Seemingly still.

Versus the rushing of water as it comes out of the sluices.

**Still versus turbulent. |** Credit: Anne Bonfert

Later that day, we were making a barbeque and I captured the steaming hot charcoal. Hot and dry.

In my search for a contrasting image, I went back to the river. The water is still very cold and wet, of course. I think that is contrast enough.

**Hot & dry versus cold & wet.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

Through the process of this challenge, I stumbled upon the word opposite while looking for contrasts in nature. Often, I was looking for two opposites. But the contrast of an item or a situation doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be its opposite. It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

It just has to be different. Different enough to bring out the contrast. Like the two below.

I have started the barefoot season in Germany and that means I’m feeling the different grounds I’m walking on. After living in the desert for years I slowly but surely abandoned shoes from most parts of my daily life and walked mainly barefoot.

In Thailand, my husband didn’t allow me to walk barefoot everywhere due to the lack of hygiene. The roads weren’t the cleanest. And in Germany, it was just too cold when we arrived this year.

But not anymore. Back to walking barefoot now.

**Rough versus soft.** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

And just as I wanted to pack my camera away for the day, I saw this bush in full bloom. A lilac tree. Or two, I’d say. Of course, at first, I only saw the purple blossoms but in between, there was some white flowering to be seen.

I decided to include it in this challenge because there isn’t just a contrast in color but also in their stage of development. The purple lilac bush is further in its blooming stage. The white one has just started opening its first blossoms.

And then, after selecting a bundle of flowers I wanted to capture, I zoomed in and saw the butterfly. What a surprise.

**Purple and in full bloom versus white and starting to bloom (with an insect hanging on).** | Credit: Anne Bonfert

So this was my response to the “looking for contrasts” challenge. These images resulted from two walks I did in my neighborhood.

“I generally don’t think most situations can be labeled as black or white.” — Heath Ledger

I hope you enjoyed the photographs and story behind and as always, I invite you to join.

Erika / Eileen / K. Barrett / Juan / David / Mia / Susan / LensAfield / Kim / Barbara / Diana / Barb / Sandra / Shruthi / Ellie / Pene / Olive / Gustavo / Jane / Penny / Jillian

These were our responses to the last challenge of black & white photography:

When You Take The Colours Away From A Photo

An interesting experiment which led me to learn about contrasts

medium.com

In Awe With Nature in Black and White

Monochrome photography while nature is blooming

medium.com

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