Why I Created “Solitude” – A Black and White Fine Art Photograph

The Story Behind Solitude

When I first took this photo, it wasn’t solitary at all. The corridor at the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi was filled with people—tourists walking, talking, and exploring. But as I reviewed the scene through my lens later, I realized there was something buried beneath the noise: stillness. Focus. Presence.

So, I made a choice. I removed everyone except one person. I stripped the scene down to what I felt, not what I saw. That’s how Solitude came to life—as a black and white fine art photograph that speaks to intentional silence in a busy world.

Solitude by Jim Signorelli. Prints available at story

Why Black and White Architectural Photography

I’ve always been drawn to the drama and clarity of black and white. Architecture in particular benefits from this approach—the play of light, shadow, and texture becomes more powerful without the distraction of color.

In Solitude, the repeating patterns of the roof tiles and the corridor walls create rhythm and structure, while the lone figure becomes a point of focus. For me, it’s a reminder that even in crowded places, there’s always an opportunity to find calm and perspective.

Creating Fine Art From Everyday Moments

Photography, at its best, turns ordinary moments into extraordinary reflections. Solitude wasn’t staged or scripted—it was discovered, then shaped in post-processing to reveal what I felt rather than what the camera first recorded.

That is what I love about fine art photography: it’s not just about documenting reality, but about translating an inner vision into something others can experience.

Explore More Black and White Fine Art

Solitude is part of my ongoing exploration of black and white architectural photography. If you’d like to see more, visit my online gallery, where prints and merchandise featuring my work are available.