Lens-Artists Challenge #381: Minimalism in
Black-and-White Photography
Ritva is the host for this week’s challenge. She wrote, “The stark contrasts and the interplay of light and shadows in black and white can evoke a range of emotions, allowing the essence of the subject to shine through without the distraction of color.” Please head on to her post to see eye-opening examples and get inspired to join this challenge.
The first two photos I share here were captured last week, as I was leaving Lake Bastrop South Shore park. After two glorious, sunny days, the morning started off with fog, then rain. The ethereal landscape was transformed. These were views from the cabin I was staying at while at the park.
The following images were captured just this morning during my visit to Berry Springs Park & Preserve. Our temperatures dipped below freezing overnight, but by early afternoon, it was warm and sunny. As I composed these images, I had Ritva’s challenge in mind and tried to view everything in black and white.
I thoroughly enjoyed looking around the corner with your responses last week. I hope you’ll join Ritva’s challenge and show us your minimalist vision in black and white. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people find your wonderful challenge entries.
Next week, it’s my turn to give you a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Berry Springs Park and Preserve, Dandelion, High-Key, Lake Bastrop South Shore, Landscapes, Lens-Artists, Macros, Monochrome, Parks, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Rupali
Wonderful choices for the theme, Egidio.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rupali.
JohnRH
Great selections Egidio. 👏
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John.
SoyBend
Loved the first picture of the tree, Egidio. Ethereal.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Siobhan.
Sue
Like Ann Christine Ic like Fog and Ice
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Sue. I love getting foggy shots.
Leya
Beauty shining, Egidio! I love the fog and the ice – the trees are gorgeous. I could lie down and rest in At peace.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Ann-Christine. Fog has a very calming effect for me.
restlessjo
I agree with Janet- they all work very well indeed xx
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much. xx
sustainabilitea
I started thinking I like the foggy ones. Then I like the icy ones and then…I just like the gallery in total. 🙂 I think fog and ice lend themselves to B&W.
janet
Egidio Leitao
Janet, your feedback is so much appreciated. Thanks for these kind words.
Leanne Cole
Great images of minimalism Egidio, I really like the trees.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Leanne.
Steve Schwartzman
Your opening image recalls some of the rural scenes recorded by 19th-century English photographers like Peter Henry Emerson.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment.
Vicki
Great series, Egidio. My favourite is the 2nd last shot of the tree. You’ve certainly conveyed the iciness to me.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Vicki. I’m glad you liked the series, especially the trees.
aekshots
Great series Egídio. I love the fog shots and the icy tree looks electric! Well done…
Egidio Leitao
Andy, it’s good to read you like the gallery. Thank you.
Terri Webster Schrandt
Wonderful images to fit the theme, Egidio! The stark beauty in these landscapes is especially beautiful in the throes of winter!
Egidio Leitao
Teri, I appreciate your kind feedback. Thank you.
photobyjohnbo
I’m with Sarah, I love your title choice. My favorites are At Peace, and Rising. Beautiful work, Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, John.
Ludwig
All great photos. I especially like the second one – Peace.
My post on for this challenge: https://cafeludwig.com/2026/01/minimalism/
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million for the feedback, Ludwig. I left my comments in your post.
Tina Schell
Loved your response as usual Egidio – this week I especially loved the bare trees. They speak volumes.
Egidio Leitao
Tina, I was very happy to be out Saturday morning (in spite of the early freezing cold) looking for compositions for the challenge. Those trees were the last shots I got on Saturday. So glad you liked them.
Toonsarah
I love your choice of title almost as much as your photos! Of the latter, my favourites are the last two tree images, and especially the very last – excellent work!
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, thank for that positive feedback. I appreciate your support and complimentary words.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Your images are very artistic and moody, and you have used some effects to get the movement. At peace is my favorite one. The three is so nicely composed and a great find.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a bunch, Ritva. It was great going out and looking for compositions specifically for this challenge.
Ana
Wonderful examples, the first is my favorite.
Egidio Leitao
Many thanks, Ana.
solaner
Very nice, Egídio. Especially the last one is a very good minimalist image, followed by the second last. Good seen, captured, and developed 👍
Egidio Leitao
André, thank you for these complimentary words.
Sofia Alves
Your first shot nails it, Egídio, what an absolute beauty!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for your feedback, Sofia.
Pepper
All great images. I thought the foggy reflections would be my favorite for sure until I got to the rising. I kept scrolling back to that one for another look. Well done!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Pepper. I’m glad you liked them.
Teresa
Oh I love those trees Egidio. The Icy and the Rising really got me!
Egidio Leitao
Teresa, thanks for the feedback. I love photographing leafless trees.
Anne Sandler
Wonderful choices Egidio. I do love foggy images. They have a certain mystic about them, as shown in your “At Peace” photo.
Egidio Leitao
Anne, I also think the same about foggy images. Thanks for your feedback.