your pictures were really nitty gritty and very good at capturing the sort of desolation that I usually imagine lonely smokers experiences. great use of sepia toning too!

Jessica

To answer Noureen’s question:

Most of my shots were not just one-shot miracles; I had to take multiple shots until I bit on to something. The use of sepia, black and white, or color was mainly a trial and error process at first. However, I find that the hue and saturation of a picture totally depends on the circumstances regarding that picture’s subjects and backgrounds. For instance, the vivid photo of a man in a black and white hoodie with red bricks behind him would just not look as striking in black and white. I needed to show that contrast of color in each brick. Other pictures, like the one in which a musician sits leaning on a window shutter in deep contemplation, happen to be stronger in black and white. The moon-light/camera flash glare on the shutter is reflected better, not to mention that the dark colors create a mysterious atmosphere.

I guess what I am trying to say is that the decision to use color/sepia/black and white is determined case by case. As a photographer, you’re the one in charge – so do what you feel is best!