View across a mountainous landscape
California,  Landscape,  Monochrome Madness,  Mountains,  Photographic techniques,  Travel galleries

Gallery: seeing the landscapes of California in black and white

Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams is one of my all-time favourite photographers, yet I very rarely try to emulate him, preferring to stick to colour for my landscape photography. But in California, where so many of his great images were taken, I couldn’t resist the urge to experiment a bit. My black and white shot of the view from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park was well-received here, so I thought I’d stick my neck out and try a few more!

Here then are the more successful of my edits for this week’s theme-free Monochrome Madness challenge. And if you’re curious to see these shots in colour, watch this space! I’ll be sharing them and many more from our trip over the coming months.

My feature photo shows the view of Yosemite from Glacier Point, with Half Dome near the centre and the Valley to the far left.

All shots have been edited using Nik Silver Efex Pro, including the use of a slight selenium toning.

Lake surrounded by fir trees

View from a rocky ledge towards mountains with fir trees

Looking down at a lake with a small islet

Lake with dramatic formations of rock

Meadow with a stream and mountains beyond

Rocky landscape and distant mountains

Sheer rock face catching the sun

Still water reflecting a mountain

Grassy meadow and rocky mountains

River with trees and steep mountain

View of mountains and deep valleys

Eroded rock formations and mountain view beyond

Man looking at a mountain landscape

Mountainous desert landscape

I last visited Mono Lake in October 2024, when all these photos were taken

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