To b&w or not to b&w - that is the question: I really like using selective color occasionally (and sparingly) as an accent for an image. However, some images are truly more effective...

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

I really like using selective color occasionally (and sparingly) as an accent for an image. However, some images are truly more effective in just b&w. Here's one that I took recently on a stormy day on Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Do you like the addition of a bit of color, or is it more stark and dramatic in just b&w? Comments and suggestions welcome, and thanks for looking!

(Download)

Murex Loc: Bainbridge, Georgia

I like the hint of color. It seems to add more depth. The serenity of the shot made be want have a seat.

Keen

Both have their merits. I can appreciate either.

Joe Blow

I don't believe the hint of color adds anything.

In my experience, using selective color is most useful in simple compositions. Their intent is to highlight specific attributes or areas. An example would be a B&W flower with a colorized bee. Landscapes tend to harmonize everything, although I can imagine a seascape with a colorized lighthouse (emphasizing the man made vs nature).

I like your shot but in my opinion, I would stick with the B&W.

Thanks for sharing.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

I like the first. It looks clearer, for want of a better word.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

tommystrat wrote:

I really like using selective color occasionally (and sparingly) as an accent for an image. However, some images are truly more effective in just b&w. Here's one that I took recently on a stormy day on Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Do you like the addition of a bit of color, or is it more stark and dramatic in just b&w? Comments and suggestions welcome, and thanks for looking!

definite color for me!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Very nice captures.

I am more inclined to like the photo in Black and White. Using color even slightly takes away some aspect of mystery to the photo.

If you are interested in a hint of color I would like to offer a unique suggestion.

While using my Canon EOS Rebel 2000, I tried CN400 film. This a a B&W film. However when C41 processing was used, the photographs had a unique Sepia tone to them. It does add some intrigue and uniqueness to the captured image.

Happy Shooting!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

tommystrat wrote:

I really like using selective color occasionally (and sparingly) as an accent for an image. However, some images are truly more effective in just b&w. Here's one that I took recently on a stormy day on Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Do you like the addition of a bit of color, or is it more stark and dramatic in just b&w? Comments and suggestions welcome, and thanks for looking!

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

While I think the judicious addition of color to a B&W image could be valuable, I don’t think image #1 benefits. The color is too deep in the image to have impact. If the bench were a subtle red in a B&W image, for example, the might work better. At any rate, I vote for the straight B&W in this case.

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

#1 for me.

bluescreek Loc: N.C. Sandhills

Black & White!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

My preference is the black and white photo.
--Bob

tommystrat wrote:

I really like using selective color occasionally (and sparingly) as an accent for an image. However, some images are truly more effective in just b&w. Here's one that I took recently on a stormy day on Flathead Lake in northwestern Montana. Do you like the addition of a bit of color, or is it more stark and dramatic in just b&w? Comments and suggestions welcome, and thanks for looking!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I like the very subtle hint of color in the first image - well done!

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Definite color for me!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am a b&w adept so I say give b&w a try but...increase contrast for more punch.
I tend to warm my images a bit to simulate my favorite b&w printing paper, Agfa fiber base.