Hello! My name is Stephen Welby, and my journey with photography began when I was just 14 years old. What started as a simple curiosity quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion, with black and white photography becoming my primary medium of self-expression. There’s something uniquely powerful about stripping away the distractions of color and focusing on the fundamentals—light, shadow, form, and texture. For me, black and white photography offers a way to capture the raw essence of a moment in a way that color sometimes obscures.
Growing up, I was drawn to the way black and white images seemed to tell stories in a more intimate, evocative way. I often found myself fascinated by how these photographs could convey such depth and emotion, even without the vibrancy that color provides. The high contrast, the interplay of light and shadow—it was all incredibly captivating. I quickly realized that black and white photography was more than just an artistic choice—it was a way of seeing the world differently.
“To see in color is a delight for the eye, but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.”
– Andri Cauldwell
At 14, I picked up my first camera, unsure of where this path would take me, but certain that I had to keep exploring. Those early years were filled with experimentation—learning the technicalities, developing film in my homemade darkroom in my bedroom, and exploring how composition could evoke emotion. It was a time of trial and error, but each mistake brought me closer to understanding how to communicate with my audience through an image.
As I continued to grow as a photographer, I became more interested in capturing moments that felt timeless. I sought to photograph scenes that would speak to people across generations, transcending fleeting trends. My work became about more than just taking pictures—it was about creating visual narratives that connected with viewers on a deeper level.
Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many places, each location offering its own set of challenges and inspirations. Whether it’s a quiet moment in nature, the energy of a bustling city street, or the subtle beauty of everyday life, I believe that the world is full of stories waiting to be told through the lens of a camera. And in my black and white work, I focus on capturing those moments in their purest, most raw form.
“Black and white photography erases time from the equation.”
– Jason Peterson
Photography, for me, is a way of communicating without words. It’s about conveying emotions and ideas that transcend language. I’ve always believed that a well-composed image speaks for itself, and my goal is to create photographs that resonate with viewers on an emotional level—whether they’re seeing something familiar or entirely new.
Every photograph I take is a reflection of my perspective, my vision, and my ongoing quest to capture the beauty and complexity of life. As I continue to evolve as a photographer, I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft, experimenting with new techniques, and exploring the world with a camera in hand.
Thank you for taking the time to explore my work. Each image tells a story, and I hope you find something within my portfolio that speaks to you, just as it speaks to me.
Stephen