Colour Vs B&W

[AntZ]

I originally posted the colour version as my submission for the monthly assignment. But afterwards, I applied a B&W preset and despite losing some detail in the far background, I liked the result. Which do you preferr? Any other thoughts on this image? It was taken early afternoon, with quite harsh light. Not ideal, but I have to shoot when I can get time.

[Mad Aussie]

I'm afraid I'm biased by the early morning shots we both have of this pier.

Having said that I think the B&W is a bit toneless.

[Bambi]

here are my :

in both I love the lines and the way they draw you to the horizon. the best about the colour shot is the blue of the water and the blue of the sky meet in the mountains. The light on the white is very harsh though.

In the B&W I like how it's all simplified to lines. Looks very minimalist. I would like to see it punched a bit-not sure what the technical term is but more contrast and/or shadows...

so I like both but am not crazy about either. If that makes any sense. Perhaps I should stop typing now.

[Josh Ek]

Very tough call. I really like the softness of the B&W, and that you can still see the detail of the decking in the shadow of the railing. I get kind of an antique vibe from it. On the other hand, the color shot really makes me want to sit in a comfy chair and relax by the beach. Consider that I live in Minnesota and it's almost December. I guess I'm trying to say it seems like a mood thing more than anything, depends on what you're going for. It would be interesting to see a sepia treatment on both photos, hint, hint Both are very nice, though.

[AntZ]

Thanks guys.

I'm afraid I'm biased by the early morning shots we both have of this pier.

Having said that I think the B&W is a bit toneless.

MA, how would suggest to fix this. I seem to be able to play with various sliders with B&W images, but not really be able to decide which looks better because the world isn't B&W, so for me there is nothing to relate it to.

[Iguanasan]

I think they're both fine in their own way. You have to decide which message you want to convey. Wonderful blue colours near the ocean side make me want to pull up a chair and sit in the sun and enjoy the weather whereas the black and white tones make me think nostalgia as pictures from days gone by before colour was an option.

It's going to be interesting to find out what the young kids these days think about black and white since they've had colour all their life. I still remember black and white TVs being the ONLY option in my house and always attribute blank and white to old.

[Marko]

I'm into the b/w for this one. It has a stronger 'mood' imo.

[JAS_Photo]

I choose the B&W as well. A bit of contrast to pull the mountains out a bit though.

[Mad Aussie]

Thanks guys.


MA, how would suggest to fix this. I seem to be able to play with various sliders with B&W images, but not really be able to decide which looks better because the world isn't B&W, so for me there is nothing to relate it to.

Not sure I'm the best perswon to listen when it comes to B&W but I'd be ramping up the curves first to create a stronger constrast and then using PS4's B&W adjustment tool I'd be looking at getting some dynamic range out of it. Something that really brings the texture out in the timber I guess if possible.

[casil403]

I'm drawn to the greens and blues of the colour version...I think they work great with the whites of the roof . The leading lines draw my eye right to the end of the pier. I think you did a great job as I get a real tropical feel to the colour version.

The BW one IMO needs a contrast boost as the whites are too white and it needs some more black/dark grey tones.