Mono rules......yet to be honest, I don't know why, I've never really thought long and hard about it. I think it's just that mono just retains more mood and suggestion.....Gary Larson (cartoonist) explained once that he tried to not actually draw the funny moment, he just drew a scene which allowed the reader to foresee what might happen next. I think this is how mono makes me view an image. Great and thought provoking video as ever Chris. Many thanks.
I think you are right Hermilio, that is probably my favourite as well. I don't really like any of the others - I need to practice black and white photography. How about you? Do you shoot in monochrome very often?
Excellent video Chris. I use black and white more and more when out on a shoot. Yes, I set my camera to monochrome before setting out and often do use a polarizer when shooting. I love the moodiness of black and white and the way it brings out contrast and detail in an image. Cheers!
Good evening Chris. What a delightful video!! Full of interest, inspiration, and many other superlatives! Silver Halide is Such a rewarding art form which many people " Photographer's " seem too dismiss. I've been shooting Film for over 40 years mostly Colour I might add. Now at the Ripe old age of 70 years young with health issues it really annoys me that I didn't shoot More of this medium. However, i still keep plodding along albeit with My Trusty Old Nikon FM2N and 3 prime lenses a 50mm f/1.8 or 1.4 a 28mm f/ 2.8 and a 135mm f/ 2.8 AIS Lenses. And of course plenty of B& W Film . Oh almost forgot...... I love the one " With the Island in It" Great Stuff. Many thanks and Kind regards Colyn a New Subscriber!
Wonderful video Chris. Gorgeous black and white images with Mia's beautiful music. A stellar combination. My heart and mind were moved today. It's off to the woods with my Nikon and tripod. Thanks so much Chris. Loved this video!
Hi Chris i'm loving the images first off as mentioned in the vlog black and white goes hand in hand with long exposure something i really like doing. Love the comment about super photographer james hatstand burns love it. The tips he gave were inspirational looking forward to getting out and giving them a go. The Michael kenna comment is bang on the nail and i fully agree. The one with "The Dam" in it floats my boat by yhe way stunning music this week. Thats it from me see you in the comments box next time cheers Mike.
A fine example of bringing the community together to share and expose their black and white art. Some excellent shots which just proves the love of going mono. Sams shot was excellent but I suppose I’m biased as it was a mountain😬 My favourite of yours was the dam as it made good use and contrast of the wall as a lead in line. Mono photography has a mystery to it because it becomes removed from normality once the colour is taken away. A pleasure to be part of it Chris, thank you. 👍
The one with 'the island' in it. It is the best. A simple composition and subject, a good balance of contrasts between, black, light grey and mid-tone grey. It allows the island to be the focus without distractions. It's a winner. I seem to be lagging again on watching your videos. Am happy to see you are working to embrace B&W. All the tips from subscribers, and the people you follow, gave good points about B&W. My focus, among all those comments is contrasts. When it is balanced in its tones, your mind easily feels the image. If you spend too much time looking without first feeling, it may just be an OK B&W. Contrast is why B&W photographers benefit and seek out contrasts, whereas a landscape photographer avoids too much contrast. Color can get in the way, intruding, taking away from the subject and composition. Color can enhance a B&W, sepia is probably the most common from the past, split toning can work well with some compositions. And not pure black, but blue. Of course one could argue that they are not B&W, rightfully so. But I think you would limit your creative view if you apply limits to what you want to achieve and the viewer to feel. Seeing in B&W is difficult. One tool I use is an app called Lenka which I have on my iPhone. It can be a great help. It allows you to control exposure, contrasts and even color tone if you want, I don't. Or as James Burns suggests, the monochrome option on the Canon. I have a Nikon and don't know if I have that option or not. Thanks for another fascinating subject. You are not the photographer I first started watching. You are growing as a photographer. What could be better.
Thank you Glen for your wonderful insight and kind comments. You are right, I have learned so much about photography since starting my RU-vid channel but my journey has just begun and I still have a lot to learn.
There are some great photographers out there Brenda and for me it's a huge privilege to be able to share their work with you. Their work is something for us all to aspire too.
Hi Chris. What a great video. I think it's one of your best. I liked the way you explored the art of Black and White it was very thoughtful and thought provoking. Like others I watched James' video too and between that video and yours I've learned so much more about B&W photography. All of the images you showcased were excellent, you chose some great examples. Talking of great photographs I really liked yours especially the "island reflections" I might have got the title wrong, it's the one with the island in it 😜 I also liked the one with the dam in it. As I was watching I was thinking hey Chris get a shot of the contrast between the water and the leading line of the dam, then you did, atta boy. Finally thanks so much for choosing my Birling Gap image to include in your tips section it was great to be s part of the video. Cheers Mate👍
Hi Kevin, it wasn't a problem choosing your image. Once I saw it I knew that I was going to include it. I thought it was excellent. Thanks so much for all of your support. I don't think I can think if a video that you haven't commented on. It's nice to be able to repay that support if only in a small way.
I watched James's black n white video a couple of days ago and surprised myself at how much I enjoyed a couple of his shots, as I am a firm believer in color but just goes to prove the point, never believe in anything, as you will ultimately be proved wrong. Good to see the selfi back but for me the picture of yours I enjoyed the most was defiantly: The one with 'the island' in it, (the mist made it). There were some photos throughout the video by others photographers I really enjoyed as well and to be honest, there were some I did not. One thing is for certain (imo) you ALL have to bow down to the master - 'Mr James R Burns' Cheers Alan
Once again, great video Chris., my favourite was 'the island'. I only live in Lancaster yet have never visited this location so will have to check it out. You have a great sense of humour by the way - I was in stitches. Your choice of music for this video was spot on and what a fantastic piece of music it is. It gives the video a little bit extra to what already is a great channel - well done and more of that wonderful song please.
Hi Gary, thanks for the kind words. If you are in Lancaster then you really must visit though perhaps you might want to wait until the kids are back at school. I think of it a bit like Tarn Hows but without the crowds of tourists! Glad you liked the music, I thing the number 1 criticism I get is for my choice in music - it is so subjective.
Chris Sale Thanks for replying Chris and will certainly check it out (when there's no kids). Nothing wrong with your choice of music. We were on a cruise back in June and there was a young couple singing in the atrium of an evening - young bloke on acoustic guitar and young female singing with a very similar voice. Listening to them made me feel chilled out and also made the hair on the back of my neck stand up at times.
Really enjoyed your vlog Chris. Some great images from your Fan base! Apart from "The one with You in it" may favourite image has to be "The one with the Island in it"!! Thanks for sharing the tips from James and Michael. Thanks for sharing.
Very cool that you spoke with Michael Kenna. I almost always take black and white photos myself, but sometimes you really need color. I say some of my favorite color photos are duochrome. E.g., there is a dash of color on another color background.
What a fantastic celebration of black and white photography with some really stunning images, really loved this video Chris, you did a great job! The one with 'the island' in it was my favourite, it is a fantastic image, so much atmosphere. Thank you for sharing my tip and image! This video has inspired me to get out and do some more B&W :) Sam.
Ooh, I don't know about that! Those shots at the start are just stunning, I hadn't come across Noel Bodle, Tom Barnes or Arnaud Bathiard before, their work is outstanding! Tom's shot of Burnham Low Lighthouse is near Bristol, I've been meaning to photograph it for a while :)
The one with the Island in it.... love black and white. Even clients who I do weddings for love the black and white conversions I include in their photos. Timeless!
Hi Dave - excellent observation about the timelessness of black and white. I wonder just how important that is if you want longevity in any body of work. Colour photography certainly seems to 'date' more quickly than B&W. Perhaps it's because it's more susceptible to fashion and trends. What do you think?
Hi Chris. I think we have a tendency to think about our older memories in black and white. I always shoot in colour but make a black and white copy of my images which, after time, I begin to favour over the colour versions.
Great video Chris - there's definitely something different and special about shooting black and white. Great advice and tips to put into practice next time i'm out. Thanks for the time and effort and as for my favourite image.............The One With The Island In It. Thanks Chris.
Awesome video Chris. You had some amazing Black and White images in the intro and Kenna's were amazing. I do agree on the mystery in black and white. I've heard it said that black and white is much less literal than color and that adds to the effect. I also believe at least to me, that there is a nostalgia aspect to black and whites. For those of us who grew up before color television and when color photos were a novelty, black and white evokes feelings and emotions that take us back to a simpler time and those memories long buried are immediately relevant again when we see well done black and white shots. I just saw James Burns video on Black and White before yours. His tips and explanations were very much on target and I appreciate both of you doing these videos! "The one with the island in it" my favorite
No one in this video mentioned the nostalgic quality of black and white Philip but you are bang on there mate. I wonder if keeping that in mind would help to produce more sentimental images?
I think so but I am biased I suppose. When I started photography in the early 1980's, it was film of course. At that time, I wanted to develop my own photos and doing color was beyond my skill level so I did only black and white. I shot old barns, farm implements and such back then, in many ways because that is what I remembered from the black and white era in the 50's and 60's. Still today I find that when I pass a barn, I think of it in black and white. I see the textures and shadows in the wood and want to see it in black and white. I've just recently rekindled my love of black and white so I plan to do a lot more shooting in that mode. Probably more info than you wanted but the question you posed got me thinking!
Man I love that location Chris. For not practicing black and white much, you did a fine job buddy. Always great when you share some of the feedback you’ve gotten from the community.
Great video Chris...love b&w, especially as I live near white chalky cliffs...🤔 Nice of you to feature some super images from other photographers 👍...definitely the one with the island in it for me...Great scene, mood and atmosphere 👍
Very poetic Brian. I still haven't gotten to grips with black and white. I have been considering a black and white project for a while but haven't yet committed to it.
A nice body of work Chris. Well done! I love Black and White so much, I bought two film cameras that are compatible with my lens collection. I think Black and white photographs are more eye catching and have a greater emotive quality. Black and White was good enough for just about any photographer who made their name in the craft. That’s enough for me!
Oh Chris, you do make cracking films. The music was perfect for the visuals and dialogue! You had me in raptures at the end with those titles again! Hilarious and well done. I love dry humour! I liked the one with you in it!
Oh Simon, stop it! You'll make me blush! Do you take many black and white photos? In your experience how do they perform commercially compared to colour images? I'd love to know your thoughts.
I have only ever taken a handful of black and white images and yet, I love them all and unlike my colour files, I don't tire of looking at them quickly! But...I struggle to see potential black and white images as I have never spent the time getting to know what the colour filters do to the resulting image and as such, can never predict the outcome! And; no matter how much I am happy with those black and white images, my passion when I walk out of the door is for colour...and I don't know why that is! Maybe I strive to take the ultimate colour image first and foremost and then turn to black and white when I'm stuck! That'd be it! As for your second question, I suspect my first answer has covered it!
I always look to the great Ansel Adams' approach to monochrome photoraphy. Monochrome, as already said, is moodier, mysterious, and really concentrates the eye to see the story. Like you, why haven't I done more B/W photography, time for a change.
Thanks John. Do you ever go out with the intention of shooting black and white or like me (at least up to now) just convert if it looks shit in colour?
The one with 'the island' in it I like the most... But any of the others that don't have 'you' in them ... ;) Love your Black and White shots Chris. Thanks for all your videos.
I don't do a lot of landscapes colour or b&w. I do more street photography, candids etc. Usually black and white. I tend to go out to make b&w shots. Keep up the good work. I just wish we had more (ANY) mountains in Hertfordshire... ;)
You have a great ability to find interesting subject to talk about, great work as always and also excellent pictures from other skilled photographers, AWESOME!
Great video, toss up between the one with the island in it and the one with the dam in it. I really liked the nod to other photographers during the dialogue.
Hi Jon, one if the real privileges of having a RU-vid channel is being able to showcase the work of other photographers that inspire you. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Every now and then I like to feature images that my viewers have shared on Instagram using the hashtag #chrissalephoto.
Hi Chris I loved the video with the tips of the photographers who took it were in Black and White. As I am colorblind, my life in color is very restricted and on my instagram I have two accounts - the Edson color and the monochrome Edson where I use my photos translated to Black and White. I believe that Michael spoke is very deep and true. Thanks for the video again. Greetings from Brazil.
Thankful that I saw your channel! Well thought video that pulls me to go out and try to replicate your suggestions, the elements of your images. I got the awesome experience of watching of which I have quite similar scenery in the next town from our small city here. Subscribed and liked.
As a human being, we are able to see in color, most of us. as a beginner photographer is not easy, to see shadows and other details but when we turn it into black and white then our view is unique. It takes time for our eyes to get used to seeing things that were in front of us but not able to recognize before.
Hi George - I still am no good at black and white precisely because I just don't see in black and white. It is something that I need to work on. I am considering a black and white project to help me to improve.
Excellent vlog. I've never purposely gone out and shot in black and white only converted. Agree with James who I do follow that setting up live view in B&W makes you concentrate more on the shot. Definitely agree 're more mysterious in B&W especially with mists over mountains. I will try. Liked all the photos but the one with the Dam in it is probably the best. Thanks
Amazing images from all the photographers. This whole video has been relaxing. In a stressful few weeks, this really has been medicine for me. I had broken my phone and had very little access to the internet, so today I was enabled to buy another phone! First thing I watched? This video 😁 Hands down the one with the island in it, great humor mate!
Pleased you've got you phone sorted mate. I broke my Samsung Galaxy S8+ at the beginning of the year. £300 to have the screen replaced. Ouch! I liked the island shot too.
Chris Sale thanks Chris! I will have internet at my new home soon, too! I got a work phone, an iPhone 7 (I kinda always wanted to see what the iPhone hoopla was all about, so I was psyched), but it only confirmed I’ll never buy one. Apart from the camera, my new moto E5 is superior in user experience
Great video chris, it was well produced with lovely appropriate music and stunning photography from all of you involved. Your viewers will consider ourselves 'Told' Re correct Titles. My favourite of your pictures today is: The one with 'the other one with the reflection of the dam on the island with you' in it
Sorry for the wind-up mate. But I was in the military from 18 years old, and if anyone ever said anything like your comment regarding incorrect titles they were wound-up mercilessly. I love and look forward to your channel so please don't block me.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Chris there is definitely something compelling about a good B&W image. I watched James' video and I intend to try his tip of actually shooting in monochrome rather than just converting to see if it improves my B&W shots
I like best "the island" and "the dam" shots. Michael Kenna is an amazing and inspirational photographer. The trouble is that other photographers who draw inspiration from his work and try to emulate his minimalist and long exposure style can easily have their photographs identified as being derivative. It was nice of you to add the works and thoughts of other photographers.
Hi Andrew - I think that is why I have been reluctant to shoot black and white in the past. Michael has been such an inspiration to me in developing my personal style that I fear criticism for copying his approach. Did you see my video on minimalism where I did just that?
Yes, Chris, I enjoyed your video on minimalist landscapes and James Burns recent video on B/W. I think there is enough latitude wth B/W landscape to develop your own style while appreciating the work of your favourites. I shoot B/W street photographs in Bangkok half the time and B/W landscapes around my farm in the north of Thailand. The landscape there doesn't lend itself well to minimalist shots except for part of the year when the mountains are shrouded in clouds. Cheers!
Well presented as always Chris. Interesting take on the subject. I had watched James Burns video one the subject a few days ago. Black and White photos are often neglected-- I rarely set out to shoot them myself. I'll give them some more attention. The one with the island in it is my fav. Cheers.
Thanks Jeff - I bet that in your neck of the woods black and white would make some cool city images. What do you think mate? Up for a bit of a challenge?
Chris, yes, I am sure there are plenty of great city images--they just don't appeal to me as much as "landscapes". I should give it a go anyway since you've challenged me! I will wait until it cools down. Too hot in London to leave the house these days! Thanks.
In that case what would be the closest you could get to shooting a classic landscape within the boundaries of the city? One of the great parks I suppose.
Yes, I am near to Hyde Park and Regent's Park. Everything is very brown and depressing now. Guess it wouldn't affect B&W though. I pland to get out tomorrow if it cools down as forecast. Cheers.
Hehe, I like them all Chris! This was a fine episode, enjoyed it. Between yours and James's videos this week, I'm inspired to go out and shoot some BW myself!
I love black and white. I agree it does envoke mystery but often has more punch or mood than color. I like 'the island' the best and 'the dam' a close second.
There are days when I miss shooting and hand processing my own black and white film. It was my favorite medium and I loved the darkroom. I haven’t tried a lot of black and white in digital but maybe I will give it a go. Then again I still have my film camera and all my processing equipment.....hmmm decisions, decisions. Great video!
Really Tammy - you don't look old enough to have done any film photography, you must have been very young when you started :) I've never shot film. I am pretty sure I wouldn't have gotten into photography if I had been born 50 years earlier. I love the immediate gratification of digital - for some things I have absolutely no patience!
Chris Sale thank You Chris! I started photography when I was 15 back in the early 80’s. My first camera was a Canon AE-1 my dad got me. I wore that thing out. I used to bulk roll my own Kodak TMAX 400 Black and White film. Instill have my bulk rolling device and canisters! Those were the good old days....
Chris, This was a great video. I really enjoyed all of the images. My favorite of yours was "The one with the island in it" (thanks for making it easy to remember the title). I think the what stuck out to me the most was how sometimes simple compositions seem to keep my interest longer in black and white. You have given me a lot of good advice, I think this video was my favorite. While I was watching your video I was thinking of the places I visit and how to look at them next time. Thanks again.
Thanks very much for this comment Steve, great to hear from you as always. I love a simple image, it's something I want to incorporate in my work. I wonder if I should start to work exclusively in black and white. What do you think?
Chris Sale I don’t know about exclusively black and white, but I definitely think incorporating it would be good. Since you said you were going to do this video I have been thinking about it and have taken my phone and tried black and white photos of familiar places and noticed the difference it makes in the mood. I noticed the pictures you took were like something I could take around here. We don’t have mountains for background, but we have islands and rocks that can seem more interesting in black and white. I know that I am going to regret saying this, but I am actually looking forward to winter in a way because I think with the leaves off the trees maybe I can capture some of the textures in the rocks and landscape better....but I will probably regret this come January. :-)
Very good vlog Chris, and inspired me to revisit a few locations whch I've shot in colour and take them specifically in B&W rather than just convert them as an afterthought. Two images standout for me, the one with the island in it is the best, but I really like the one with the dam in it too. The one with you in it is pretty good too.thanks for the inspiration.
Hey Mark, I think it would be great to revisit some locations in order to shoot them in black and white, I'm already drawing up a list. Let me know how you get on.
Great video, Chris. I'm quite surprised that you haven't done much B&W, as I think that your photography style really suits it. You got some great images too. Particularly the first one with the trees isolated by the mist and the last one with the wall ( :P ) - I don't think I could choose between them. Feeling all inspired now to go try some for myself, thank you!
I think you are right Geoff, B&W would suit my style. However, I am so aware of the influence that Michael Kenna has had my photography that I have always felt that it was a probably a step too far. Glad you feel inspired to shoot some B&W yourself, I look forward to seeing how you get on.
Great Video Chris. The one with the dam in it for me. I took some B&W long exposures in Cornwall today, which came out great. Thanks for all your work on RU-vid. Julian
Hi Chris, Yes, I did see and enjoy your video on minimalism at Boscastle, which is close to my folks place too. That video inspired me to explore minimalist imagery myself, which I’ve found quite inspirational. I would like to share a couple of snaps from the area with you but I’m not sure how best to do this (I’m new to this game). Thanks also for introducing me to your friend James R B and the wonderful Oddbjorn Austevik, both of whom have been hugely inspirational to me.
It's easy to share images with me Julian. If you don't already have an Instagram account then set one up and tag your images with #chrissalephoto, that way I will see them. Sometimes I share my favourites in my videos.
I have to say the one i like best is (The other one with `the Reflections`in it) it is simple and calming . Soon it is autumn and i hope it Will be a good time fore some black and white landscape photography Grate video
Thanks Gunnar. Interesting that you think autumn will be a good time for black and white. Here in the Lakes we get wonderful autumnal colours, it seems a shame not to make the most of them.
I will also take color pictures in the fall. but I believe with a lot of leaves on the ground I think there will be lots of cool shadow contrasts that will get very good in black white. I think everybody is going to take color pictures in the fall, why not try something new. I can imagine a tree that has almost lost all of its leaves going to look good in black white
I think that all makes a lot of sense Gunnar. I love it that you are looking so far ahead and are already formulating a plan. I looking forward to seeing what images you get. Good luck mate.
Cheers Gareth - I wanted to include your tip about how changing to display on your camera can help to see if the composition works in black and white but as you can see James beat me to it.
I don't think it's just black and white that creates mystery but any image that shows different characteristics from the normal human viewpoint: colour, focal length, point of view, depth of field, but there's definitely something compelling about a mono image and more so because they tend to not have to follow the same rules as a colour shot (ie you can go to town on the processing). Very interesting vlog by the way, and without doubt my favourite shot of yours was the black and white one ;-)
Great video Chris, as always. You've got me back into black and white photography. Can you tell me what music you used on this video, thanks. Keep doing what you do.
Hi Paul. I still struggle with black and white photography, still trying to train my eye to see in monochrome. The track is 'Just on Kiss' by Loving Caliber available from Epidemic Sound. I hope that helps.
The one with the island in it. One thing I noticed was the middle images were pretty monotone. Ansel Adams used to make a point in his images to cover all zones from pure white to pure black and if you look at a lot of his images achieved just that. I'm a big fan of B&W also. Keep up the good work.
I remember reading about that William. He liked to include a little of pure black and pure white in all of his images. I'll have to try to bear that in mind in future.
Fascinating video Sir, I grew up with FP4, HP5 and Tri-X and still have a preference for mono although it’s 99.9% digital these days. I enjoyed the format of this, made an interesting change. I’m slowly working through your back catalogue!
Hi Dave, I have to be honest I have no experience of film photography. I have been shooting for about 13 years and my first proper camera was a Canon EOS 350D. I'm not sure if I would have gotten into photography had it not been for the digital revolution. The instant feedback that you get from digital has helped my photography improve more quickly than it would have with film and post processing is an aspect of photography that I enjoy almost as much as being in the field.
Yes, I like this black and white strikes a real chord with me, I’m across in the lakes next week and had already thought of this as part of my itinerary. If Michael Kenna is your favourite photographer I think you must have some inner self that screams monochrome
I was thinking about this earlier Barry as I was responding to another comment. I wonder if my reluctance to shoot black and white is precisely because of my love of Michael's work. He has influenced my own personal style to such an extent that shooting in black and white would just invite criticism of plagiarism. Or am I just being paranoid?
Just being paranoid, your a really competent photographer who obviously has the talent to explore and execute any medium you care to choose. It’s like everything else just a case of developing your own unique style when doing mono
Excellent video as usual Chris. The Island is very good but the one with 'you' in it has more about it in my opinion. The tree line in the background leads nicely to the middle of the frame but in addition there is you looking across the picture from one side, the tree stump on the other side. Well balanced, more content.
Thanks very much Paul. For me I like the simplicity of the island shot but I found your comments fascinating and has made me look at the selfie in a different light - thanks for that. Do you shoot much in black and white?
I'm not a photographer just a layman so I guess I look at your images with a diiferent mind set. I am trying to learn about photography so find your videos inspiring. I bought a Canon 1000D a few years ago but only use Full Auto ('all the gear but no idea' as they say) but hopefully that will change. BTW - I saw one of your videos with your Dad in it, I used to work for him when I was at school and he gave me my first proper job when I left school. Forever grateful for that experience and what he taught me.
Seriously Paul? It's a small world! Are you from the Aylesbury area then? If you're still there we get back home once in a while, perhaps we could meet up and we'll see what we can do to get you off of full auto. I used to shoot a lot around the reservoirs and canals near Marsworth. Do you know that area at all?
I'm from Aylesbury and am still here so I know the reservoirs and canals well. We're lucky to have nice countryside on our doorstep. It would be great to meet up if you're down this way and have some spare time.
I'll get in touch next time I am down. I want to do a video about shooting in the area where my passion for photograph started if you are interested. Ping me a DM on either Twitter or Instagram or send me a message on my Facebook page. All details are on the about page on my RU-vid channel.
I'm waiting for someone to talk about yellow filters to cut blue light. Ansell Adams who I was lucky to meet nearly 50 years ago discovered that yellow filters for b&w cut through blue light that is often a problem in the high sierras. Still works with digital b&w? Comments please.
Loving your videos Chris - this one has made me review a load of images with a view of "they would look great in black and white". I love black and white - you really have to think about the composition so much more :-)
Thanks Mark - I agree with you about having to think more about composition, it's not like you can fall back on an amazing sky is it! My black and white journey has only just begun so I still have so much to learn. Do you ever go out with the intention of shooting black and white?
Yes I do - usually on bright sunny days when there are lots of clouds in the sky. Often it part of getting other images. I really look for the strong contract that makes a good black and white and I am experimenting with long exposures during the day to get the movement in the clouds. I also tend to look for B&W images when at the coast on grey days :-)
