To b&w, or not to b&w, that is the question...
May 2, 2021 20:04:22 #
The cloud cover to me is much more appealing in the b & w. I like the snow on the mountain better on the b & w as well. As far as the building itself, there seems to be not a big difference in the pictures. The tree, however, is not so noticeable on the b & w. And the mountain itself stands out more in color. The blue of the sky in the color version doesn't seem totally natural to me. So overall, I would pick the b & w. But there is something to be said for both versions. And in think with the b & w there are some things that can be done to make things stand out a little more, with more variation on the gradients of gray.
May 2, 2021 21:35:57 #
May 2, 2021 22:31:17 #
I know I'm late to the dance, but I prefer the color because in b&w the tonal range from the house forward to the edge (running from the house, through the grass and fence, to the lower edge of the image) isn't wide enough to maintain interest. In color there's enough going on that it remains interesting all the way.
If I may, I'd also make one editing suggestion: two-thirds of the way across the large cloud, moving toward the right side, there's a hole in the cloud. I think that hole is distracting. It really doesn't add anything, so I would encourage you to clone it out.
If you choose to ignore me completely, your penalty will be to have an outstanding image that is sharp, beautifully composed, well exposed, and demanding placement in a very nice frame. This is a great shot.
If I may, I'd also make one editing suggestion: two-thirds of the way across the large cloud, moving toward the right side, there's a hole in the cloud. I think that hole is distracting. It really doesn't add anything, so I would encourage you to clone it out.
If you choose to ignore me completely, your penalty will be to have an outstanding image that is sharp, beautifully composed, well exposed, and demanding placement in a very nice frame. This is a great shot.
May 3, 2021 10:15:19 #
rdgreenwood wrote:
I know I'm late to the dance, but I prefer the col... (show quote)
Thank you for your input, and I agree with your assessment as to the tonal range of the foreground, as well as the hole in the cloud. I cloned it out as you suggested and find the image improved. I appreciate your taking the time to post your suggestions. Take care,
May 3, 2021 10:30:46 #
Difficult choice for me, but given the subject matter I think the B+W is more dramatic. Nicely done.
May 3, 2021 16:49:09 #
Brian in Whitby
Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
tommystrat wrote:
I have a personal favorite between these two images, but I'd like to know... not only which one you prefer (if either!) but WHY you prefer it. Feeling, impact, hate b&w, whatever... I'd appreciate your comments and suggestions, as always... view in Download for best... 
Very unusual for me. I usually prefer colour but in this case, I like the B&W better. It brings out the texture in the building.
May 3, 2021 19:05:59 #
May 4, 2021 14:38:18 #
B&W is better, in my opinion. The blue sky overpowers the house in the color version, and the story is more about the sky and less about the house.
May 4, 2021 15:57:00 #
topcat wrote:
B&W is better, in my opinion. The blue sky overpowers the house in the color version, and the story is more about the sky and less about the house.
I do see what you mean about the sky, and I tend to agree with you. The lighting wasn’t all that great that day and it seems like the sky just took over. Thanks for taking the time to post.
May 4, 2021 16:51:13 #
tommystrat wrote:
But the b&w’s sky is much more powerful than that of the color version. In fact, in the b&w, the sky is the dominant feature. I don’t think anyone has mentioned it yet, but consider also what the b&w version does to the red shed that is such a pleasing part of the house. It’s gone!I do see what you mean about the sky, and I tend to agree with you. The lighting wasn’t all that great that day and it seems like the sky just took over. Thanks for taking the time to post.
May 4, 2021 23:07:45 #
skylinefirepest
Loc: Southern Pines, N.C.
Ok, I'm forced to defend...in the b+w the roof is blah, the side roof can't be seen, the trees are dark, the fence line is dark. Color all the way...much more to see and the sky is simply an added benefit. When I get back home and show my friends where I was out West or wherever I'm much more pleased to show them what i actually saw rather than some photo that looks like it was taken at night.
May 4, 2021 23:20:13 #
I totally agree with you. Quit listening to us second-guessers. Print it and hang it. It's a beautiful image.
May 4, 2021 23:50:54 #
fredfinke
Loc: Denver
skylinefirepest wrote:
Ok, I'm forced to defend...in the b+w the roof is blah, the side roof can't be seen, the trees are dark, the fence line is dark. Color all the way...much more to see and the sky is simply an added benefit. When I get back home and show my friends where I was out West or wherever I'm much more pleased to show them what i actually saw rather than some photo that looks like it was taken at night.
It always helps to include "IMHO".
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