I sort of became an amateur photographer over the summer. I took pictures all in B&W, using changes in the Exposure to create the desired effect. I liked the natural look of my photos, so I didn't do anything in Photoshop (although I, too, am fluent in it).
Here are some of my favourites:
All of these were taken in the immediate vicinity around my house. If I go too much further away (in my own neighbourhood), I start getting really weird looks. Oh well.