Yesterday's walk turned into an interesting discovery. Along the walkway, there is a bunch of bougainvillea in full bloom, their petals are poppin in soft shade of pink. They were everywhere—climbing, stretching, and flowing in every direction. Normally, their vibrant color would be the main attraction, but this time, I decided to strip it away.
Turning the photo into black and white gave it a different appeal. Without the distraction of color, I noticed more of its intricate details—the textures of the petals, the layers of blossoms, and most fascinating of all, the way the flower carries another smaller flower within. It’s like nature’s own reminder that beauty often holds more than what we see at first glance.
There’s something about bougainvillea in monochrome that feels timeless. A deep sense of nostalgia. Maybe because I used to see them even when I was younger.
The high contrast brings out their form, almost sculptural, and the shadows give them an unexpected depth. In color, they are joyful and bold. In black and white, they become thoughtful and almost poetic.
It was just a simple walk, but moments like this remind me why I enjoy taking my camera along. Even ordinary sights can turn into little discoveries when we look at them differently. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in perspective—or in this case, a shift from color to black and white.
To see bougainvillea this way felt refreshing, as though I had met an old friend under a new light. And maybe that’s the gift of photography: finding new stories in familiar places.
”To see in color is a delight for the eye, but to see in black and white is delight for the soul.”
~ Andri Cauldwell
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