Photo of the week

-- Sean Hiller

Understanding photography isn’t always as clear as black and white. A

good photo depends on a variety of visual techniques as well as the rules

of composition.

In the picture of Ray Nagami, of the Los Angeles-based Taiko Center,

playing the flute at the Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa on April 6 the rules

were simple. Color was the major contributor to the photo. Without the

blue wall providing a canvas for Nagami, the drum and his instrument, the

photo takes on a ordinary look.

Not all photo opportunities make for good black and white photos, and

the same applies to color. That’s why if you remember this photo from

last week in color, you’ll agree that in a world without vibrant shades,

this one doesn’t work.