Captured in Monochrome:

bradley benskin

On 18th and 19th July 2025, members of the Barbados Photographic Society (BPS) gathered in the heart of Bridgetown for a striking Black & White Photowalk—an immersive exploration of the city’s architecture, streetscapes, and hidden corners through the timeless lens of monochrome photography.

The walk began at the Supreme Court of Barbados, its imposing façade providing a dramatic introduction to the day’s theme. Cameras in hand, participants wound their way through Bridgetown’s textured streets, capturing the interplay of light and shadow that the black-and-white challenge demanded.

Guided by BPS executive Charles McClean, the event combined practical exercise with mentorship. Prolific black-and-white photographer David Yearwood enriched the experience by demonstrating traditional film techniques, shooting with a medium format analog camera—a nod to the roots of the discipline.

Why Black & White?

Monochrome photography strips away distraction, requiring the eye to find strength in shape, line, texture, and tone. In Bridgetown, with its blend of colonial architecture, bustling alleys, and weathered masonry, this approach revealed a new layer of storytelling. Shadows deepened, details sharpened, and the city’s rhythm became more contemplative—inviting participants to see beyond colour.

Through the Lens: Highlights of the Walk

• Architectural Drama – An ornate colonial building silhouetted against a pale sky, its contours emphasized in black and white.
• Movement & Stillness – Pedestrians captured mid-stride in a narrow alleyway, their pauses and shadows creating quiet drama.
• Textures of Time – Peeling paint, rough stone, and worn woodwork showcased Bridgetown’s aging beauty in tactile detail.
• Streetscape Stories – Empty thoroughfares framed by historic facades, suggesting countless untold narratives.

Building Toward Exhibition 2026

These photowalks also serve as community-building exercises, allowing photographers to exchange perspectives, critique compositions, and strengthen their creative networks. The architectural street photography walk, in particular, was designed with Exhibition 2026 in mind—encouraging participants to refine their craft and develop a body of work for the Society’s upcoming showcase.

David Yearwood demonstrated how shooting in monochrome—especially using film—challenges photographers to focus on tonal balance, composition, and storytelling, offering invaluable insight for both emerging and experienced photographers.

More Than Photography

Beyond technical refinement, these events foster connection and community. Members share perspectives, discuss compositions, and celebrate the diversity of their creative visions. In the monochrome of Bridgetown, participants didn’t just take photographs—they connected with the city’s essence and with one another.

Behind the scenes images by Bradley Benskin