On the Road - Classic car in B&W with a Touch of Texture

Deborah Sandidge is one of the many great pro photographers that we are privileged to have on board at BetterPhoto's online photography training program. It's always so awesome to see her work and to read her insights. Deb loves sharing her creativity!

Check out her eye-grabbing image below, along with the thoughts behind the photo:

(c) Deborah Sandidge

"Cuba is full of vintage cars aged to perfection," says Deb. "I feel like I'm in a time warp when in Cuba, seeing so many old American cars on the road. Recently Raul Castro announced that potential car ownership may change for Cubans, opening up the new ability to buy and sell cars, and obtain new ones. How this will effect the charm of Cuba with all the wonderful vintage cars? I hope they will at least maintain their positions of taxi's, I would miss seeing the character of all these classic cars on the road!

"This car was photographed as it rounded the Malecon, Cuba's waterfront. It seemed the perfect subject for a black and white photograph. I added a layer of texture to give the photo a worn and vintage look. Black and white photography allows the viewer to take in all the qualities of a subject without the connotations of color. Light, shadow, texture, pattern, and tonality become more important.


"Nik Silver Efex Pro 2 is my favorite black and white conversion method. The latest version has quite a few new features including dynamic brightness, structure and fine structure, amplify blacks and whites, selective color, and even a few borders. I absolutely love it with my infrared photography!

"Have fun in the digital darkroom!"

NOTE: Like these ideas? Then join Deb Sandidge for her online photography courses: Photoshop - Enhancing Digital Images and Creating Works of Art and Digital Infrared Photography.