Union Station, Denver Colorado: Here are two versions of the same photo, one color and one b/w. A recent thread questioned the purpose of b/w. That individual preferred color for all...

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Here are two versions of the same photo, one color and one b/w. A recent thread questioned the purpose of b/w. That individual preferred color for all occasions. Personally I find a lot of value in b/w. I am interested in what others feel regarding these two photos. Comments welcome.

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BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

I very much prefer the second, largely due to your composition which to me is excellent.

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Thanks BassmanBruce. I appreciate your opinion. Does middle of the mitten mean somewhere in MI?

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

I like the 1st one better, I think the colors in it make it a more dynamic image.
I do think you really did capture a great composition of this scene.
But I don't think there are enough contrasts and blacks in this scene to make it a B&W image that I like. JMHO.

will

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jmdenver wrote:

Here are two versions of the same photo, one color and one b/w. A recent thread questioned the purpose of b/w. That individual preferred color for all occasions. Personally I find a lot of value in b/w. I am interested in what others feel regarding these two photos. Comments welcome.

I haven't been downtown in some time. Looks likes it time to pay it a visit and see how much has changed.

I like the treatment of your first shot. I like both the contrast of color and the composition. The B&W is really good too, but something just "grabs" me with the first one.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I enjoy topics like this since it's a great way to discuss what makes a successful b&w shot. Yours is the second in recent days I've seen that references that main forum topic, which is also nice because I publicly criticized that one for the snarky comments and insults that arose early on

Composition - I'd like to see a tiny bit more at the top where the curve seems abruptly cut. But, as for color vs. b&w, I find value and interest in both.

The color is a little unnatural to my eyes and on my monitor, but that works well because it's such a "showy" unnatural looking structure! I could see going even a bit more fanciful.

The b&w I'd normally say has too many small details to be totally successful, yet I find myself immersed in all the cool little stories within. Nice tonal range, too, which helps keep the details separated and ordered. It'd be interesting to see a version with more true white, but I suspect that an "in your face" contrasty product would be a bit too much.

Fascinating, engaging work!

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

I would have preferred the 3rd "un-tricked" version of an otherwise interesting photo

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

jmdenver wrote:

Thanks BassmanBruce. I appreciate your opinion. Does middle of the mitten mean somewhere in MI?

Yes, a dozen miles west of Lansing.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

ken_stern wrote:

I would have preferred the 3rd "un-tricked" version of an otherwise interesting photo

If we are lucky, maybe we can persuade him to provide it. Just be aware, it may not "look" as interesting as the two he presented.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Definitely the B&W.

alx Loc: NJ

ken_stern wrote:

I would have preferred the 3rd "un-tricked" version of an otherwise interesting photo

I have to agree. I'd very much like to see the original and have the feeling I would prefer it.

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Thank you all for giving such constructive guidance. I am happy to supply the original. Here it is.

(Download)

jmdenver Loc: Colorado

Linda, thank you for your reply. I went back and made the whites a bit whiter, to the point where some of the lights in the office building in the background are blown out. I don't think it detracts from the overall effect and the platform is now a bit whiter.

(Download)

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

jmdenver wrote:

Linda, thank you for your reply. I went back and made the whites a bit whiter, to the point where some of the lights in the office building in the background are blown out. I don't think it detracts from the overall effect and the platform is now a bit whiter.

I think this is the stronger B&W. Good job. And although the original is really good, I think I like your "treated" color shot better. Normally for me, it is just the opposite; normally it is the straight shot over the treated.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

jmdenver wrote:

Thank you all for giving such constructive guidance. I am happy to supply the original. Here it is.

Now that's what I call a D.F.P ---
Damn Fine Photo !!