Greetings my fellow Steemians! Hope your holiday mayhem (or vice versa 😊) went well. This post will cover my seven day black and white photo challenge take 2 photo explanations! I wanted to do this post because I have been itching to explain my photos & because a few of you have asked or we've chatted about it. No one takes photos without reason. Your mind is definitely in a certain place with your photos, so buckle up - story time it is!
Day 1
"Table & Chairs"
The tables & chairs were taken here in my town of Frederick, MD. We had just finished eating sushi & it was right after our first snowfall. The snow was powdery & fresh. Here's another photo I took right outside my door during that same time frame where I think you can really see the powdery quality of the snow we had.
Day 2
"Bell on Door"
The bell on the door photo is actually a bit personal. I have PTSD, and the bell is on my door handle to my room.... Need I say more? Actually, my Mom was the original owner of this bell that seems like it should only be up during the Christmas season. And, growing up in my house it was. I always liked the bell growing up for other reasons to include its general aesthetics and that's why it was given to me. I later discovered it's handy use for calming an anxiety riddled mind so it's not up just at Christmas anymore. Interestingly, I found a bunch more of them albeit mini versions for sale at a local shop a few days ago. They were very nice. I didn't buy one though.
Day 3
"Chess"
I took the chess photo a couple days before my sister arrived to visit me for the holidays. This is a nice stone chess set that is aesthetically pleasing and I felt drawn to photograph it because my sister was coming soon and she loves to play & is very good at chess. Here's the full color version...
Day 4
"The Snowman"
Well there's no denying this photo was purely holiday inspired. He's actually one of my little decorations. I have had him for a few years, he used to light up, think he needs new batteries.
Not too much to say about Mr Snowman other than I like him. Not sure his origin though. 🤔hmm, where's my memory gone?
Day 5
"Asylum"
Some of you seemed to be scratching your heads over this one. 😁 Well, I mentioned earlier my sister was coming to visit. Visiting an abandoned asylum, particularly one as (in)famous as FOREST HAVEN was on both our bucket lists...well...there's your answer and there will be a separate post covering that story so stay tuned.
Day 6
"Dinner Candle"
This photo is definitely a favorite of mine. I took it at the dinner table we dined at on Christmas eve. I really loved the lighting in this restaurant and just had to snap a shot of this beautiful glass candle arrangement.
Day 7
"Landscape"
This photo is super fresh! I took it just yesterday from the top of Mount Washington overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline. Apparently nearly all Pittsburgh skyline photos are taken there and I can see why. It was extremely cold but so worth getting this shot.
BONUS: I did do a compilation post showing all my photos from my first go through of the seven day black and white photo challenge. However, I did not explain those photos, and I think my amazing followers who were with me along this ride deserve a little backstory on those photos as well.
First compilation post here (no explanation):
https://steemit.com/sevendaybnwchallenge/@chelsea88/day-seven-black-and-white-photo-challenge-7-day-photo-compilation
Day 1, Take 1
"I'm Crabby"
This photo was taken shortly after a yard cleanup. I remember that because my husband found these little toys under the deck where we were clearing out & him knowing the kid in me, cleaned them up and gave them to me. 😄 I happened to be enjoying some coffee at the time of this gift and it was in one of my favorite mugs that reflects not only where I live, but also, my mood at times!
Day 2, Take 1
"Dunkin Donuts"
My seasonal depression was in over drive at the time of this photograph. I liked the dunkin donuts box but then observed the plethora of people out basically having consumerism fueled rage fests and was compelled to question the "joy" of this season reflected in my amazing artwork. ;)
Day 3, Take 2
"Hourglass"
This is an hourglass of mine that I actually found at Target a while back in the "sale" section. I've always been intrigued by hourglasses. This one isn't very accurate though as it is only 27 minutes long! Here's the color version...
Day 4, Take 1
"Sloth"
I bought this little toy sloth because it reminded me of my late but dear friend 
(Photo of Laura is not my own. Laura did share this personally with me, however & that is her painting.)
Day 5, Take 1
"G"
This is a photo of my main man, the G! Haha! That's my cat named Orangey, G for short. I've had him over seven years & he's a sweetheart. Here's me holding him over the holidays. 😊 Or, perhaps more accurately, him taking over my lap.
My sister 
Day 6, Take 1
"Dino Head"
This dino head is located at a local park I like to run at. It's in the kids playground and, well, I guess you can see my inner kid again as I, of course, find it fascinating! 😁
Day 7, Take 1
"Margarita"
I guess this one might be fairly self explanatory. It is my drink - a lovely margarita, which happens to be my favorite drink. I could just drink them all day! Haha just kidding. I actually don't drink very often. I was having this during my hubs 30th birthday celebration back in November.
So, as I hope you can see, I've had a blast with this challenge and learned a lot along the way. What have I learned? Various ways to play with light and editing for the BEST outcome. It's not as easy as you might think to just turn something black and white, or maybe I'm just perfectionistic at times (nay, most times.) HINT - remember the color blue
I want to thank 
I want to thank the following specifically for all their supportive comments and engagement with me during the photo challenge(s): 
To conclude, here are the rules for this challenge, for those who don't know:
- Seven black and white images that represent an aspect of your life.
- Present one image every day for seven days. Doesn't have to be consecutive.
- No people.
- No explanation.
- Nominate someone every day, but anyone can join the fun.
- Use the tag - #sevendaybnwchallenge - as one of your five tags.
I nominate