Black-and-White Cities / Photography / Serbia

Belgrade in Black-and-White

Belgrade Bridge in Black and White

In Tbilisi, it was necessary for me to shoot in black-and-white in order to discover the city’s mysterious spirit and offbeat charm.

I shot monochrome in Belgrade for a very different reason—I  didn’t have enough color film.

My supplies were limited, and I knew I would need the color film when I got to Montenegro—those blue mountains and turquoise waters and red-roofed houses cried out for full color. That left me with an excess of black-and-white to use in Serbia.

So I explored Belgrade in black-and-white. Monochrome lets you see the world from a different perspective, and I embraced the challenge. Through my lens, I discovered a city simultaneously modern and historical, where the Cyrillic script coexists with the street art and the majestic buildings crumble ever so slightly. There’s something majestic and classic about Belgrade, despite the obvious decay. The monochromatic city I shot is regal and gritty, angular and funky, and very much alive.

Limitations can be creatively invigorating. With only black-and-white film to shoot, I ended up capturing a classic view of Belgrade that wouldn’t have necessarily come through on color film. It’s one of the reasons I continue to shoot analogthe medium is full of mysteries, and full of unexpected rewards.

Belgrade Crumbling

 

On Top of Belgrade Fortress

 

Satellites, Belgrade

 

Underpass in Belgrade

 

Belgrade Street Art

 

Majestic Belgrade

 

Belgrade Kitten

 

Belgrade Train Station

 

The Danube, Belgrade

3 Comments

  • Katie
    October 18, 2013 at 8:15 PM

    So much more for the eyes to see in black and white. 🙂

    Reply
    • Katrinka
      October 19, 2013 at 10:44 AM

      Strange how removing one element (color) can reveal so much more, right? 😉

      Reply
  • tomaskolen
    January 27, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    Hi Kate I love these black-write photos, are beautiful! Cat is great! 🙂 Digital cameras have all, you are unique. I was in the Tbilisi in past year on Stag trip via http://www.belgradestag.com. Tbilisi is a modern a town with historic architecture. Trip in Tbilisi was a nice experience in my trip of Eastern Europe.

    Reply

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