I can’t tell you how many times I have walked into friends’ homes and I’ve been received by a subdued colour palate: cream, taupe, pale grey - often enhanced by tastefully coordinated textures such as linens, basketwork, leather etc. all working in total harmony to produce supremely classy interiors. As a qualified interior designer I have a huge appreciation for these schemes, which seem so effortless, but in fact have been curated with much skill and an extremely good eye. I find the absence of colour hugely inspiring - yes, that’s me, the Queen of Colour talking!!
With my reputation for colour, you might be surprised to read that my own bedroom is wonderfully calm: cream linen curtains, edged with an ornate beaded trim bought in Dubai’s textile souk. A silk taupe throw drapes over the bed and the room’s art is likewise soothing - to encourage calmness at the end of my busy days.
However - the rest of my home, like my macro images, is ablaze with colour, at the turn of every single corner! I can’t restrain myself - I am synonymous with colour and it makes my heart sing!
But, as with my bedroom, might I manage a degree of restraint in my photography and venture into black-and-white territory? Most definitely!
Historically, in the days of film, black and white prints were produced attentively by artisans who often had captured the images themselves. They invariably worked in cramped rooms, mixing the chemicals in their pursuit of magic. But it wasn't merely a technical exercise - the monotone approach was a means of personal and emotional expression.
This appreciation for striking, sometimes sensuous, black and white images, is ever present.
Taking the above process a step further, a personal black-and-white project could be an exercise to embark on with your camera. By reducing the colour palette, you might be surprised to find your senses are further heightened, enhancing skills such as lighting and focus selection that can subsequently be applied to your colour images.
Unlike with the weather, a grey day must certainly not be gloomy!
Alys Walker-Tinson
Bonjour! I am Alys, a British photographer who, for more than 20 years, has lived in Southern France.
I am known for my contemporary floral macro work and have been shortlisted three times for the internationally renowned CUPOTY competition, most recently in 2023. I unashamedly embrace colour when creating my unique art - which is impactful in both domestic and commercial interiors.
My images are printed on a range of materials including Hahnemuehle fine art etching paper which is particularly suited to my macro work. I also use Fuji HD paper mounted under acrylic glass, aluminium dibond and canvas. All images, many as limited editions, are available for sale with prices starting at 30 Euros. Feel free to use the CONTACT ME link on this page.
Photography is an absolute passion for me and I never leave home without a camera. 95% of my images are taken with one of my Lensbaby lenses, all of which consistently serve to inspire and motivate me.
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