Colour Vs B&W [Archive] - Fine art photography forum

AntZ

11-28-2009, 06:25 PM

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.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SxGeRU8v-WI/AAAAAAAAHOU/J6N5elc5o9M/s512/IMG_3146.jpg http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SxGgzo8QR6I/AAAAAAAAHOc/j_n2Dr1DwgY/s512/IMG_3146.jpg

Mad Aussie

11-28-2009, 06:50 PM

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

11-28-2009, 10:15 PM

here are my :twocents::

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. :confused:

Josh Ek

11-28-2009, 10:50 PM

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

11-29-2009, 07:09 AM

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

11-29-2009, 08:46 AM

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

11-29-2009, 01:05 PM

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

JAS_Photo

11-29-2009, 02:11 PM

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

Mad Aussie

11-29-2009, 03:49 PM

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

11-29-2009, 08:18 PM

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.

Mars Observer

11-29-2009, 09:40 PM

Colour vs. B&W - always such a touch decision!!

I think I prefer the colour one here, same reason noted by Aussie (re: tone).

I haven't gotten the results I want yet with my BW conversions but... have you seen Kat's B&W work?? Truly amazing!

AntZ

11-30-2009, 06:27 AM

Wes

12-01-2009, 02:41 PM

The b&w does it for me. The colour shot is a good holiday type picture but the black and white is evocative of days gone by and coupled with the fact that the pier is devoid of human life gives the image a somewhat melancholy appeal.

kat

12-01-2009, 02:55 PM

I like both! I think the BW could use a contrast boost (maybe even try using a pp filter when playing with that contrast).

I do get a different vibe from each photo, so I would have to agree on what it is you want to say with this photo!

Oh..and if I had to pick one over the other.. BW :)

Sorry you guys..been crazy busy here lately! Hoping things will settle soon!

AntZ

12-01-2009, 07:27 PM

Is the 2nd one an improvement?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SxGgzo8QR6I/AAAAAAAAHOc/j_n2Dr1DwgY/s512/IMG_3146.jpg http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SxWk4Tu848I/AAAAAAAAHO4/Z88HTXGRy34/s512/IMG_3146.jpg

Mars Observer

12-01-2009, 10:04 PM

I love the 2nd B&W! Very nice!! It doesn't have that 'bygone era' feel of the original, but the very strong, white, leading line really appeals to me. It pulls me right in, and takes me to the end of the pier... where I set up my lounge, and linger,not a care in the world, for the rest of the day. Thanks! :)

Mad Aussie

12-02-2009, 02:45 AM

From the little I seem to understand of B&W that 2nd shot looks better to me for sure. Next to it ... the 1st shot now looks weak which was what I was seeing and why I asked for more dynamic range.

Kat's about the only person I've seen do a subtle B&W and get away with it! :)

AntZ

12-02-2009, 07:21 AM

Thanks all. Final image with some borders.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4152864720_39e8124bf6.jpg

kat

12-02-2009, 11:16 AM

That looks just wonderful! Great tones in it! If I get you for the swap.. :)

Oh..and I just want to add..I'd love to have some tunes and dance my way down the pier!

AntZ

12-02-2009, 04:24 PM

Thanks Kat. I got the idea for the borders from your wonderful B&W shots. I had to try remember how they were as I can't find any of your old shots:(

kat

12-02-2009, 04:37 PM

Thanks Kat. I got the idea for the borders from your wonderful B&W shots. I had to try remember how they were as I can't find any of your old shots:(

I know. I couldn't remember my password to my old account on flickr (after hubby erased our cookies)..they wouldn't help me to get it so I had them after months..delete the account and start another one...

photofixer

12-04-2009, 03:02 PM

i would have to say color because there is more detail and those hills in the background really complete the composition!

:cool:

RobLan

12-06-2009, 09:40 AM

The lines in the picture are very striking and thay come out better in the B&W version. It would need more contrast though. Let me know if you want me to give it a shot.

AntZ

12-08-2009, 08:45 AM

Thanks all.
This is a different angle of the pier.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/Sx5GiZdh8cI/AAAAAAAAHTE/lZPmMS3qWN4/s720/IMG_3220.jpg

AntZ

12-08-2009, 08:55 AM

A close up of one of the lights.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SxWnbMKqtQI/AAAAAAAAHPE/VqOzrjZZ0FI/s512/IMG_3144.jpg

kat

12-08-2009, 10:18 AM

Very nice Antz!!!!

Bambi

12-08-2009, 06:23 PM

I'd love to see that other view of the pier in colour...... :)

I do like the b&w but I think that I'd love to see the colour of the water.

AntZ

12-10-2009, 05:15 AM

I'd love to see that other view of the pier in colour...... :)

I do like the b&w but I think that I'd love to see the colour of the water.

Here you go Bambi.
The water is not particularly appealing because of the time of the day I think.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_bbi-4cZRdqw/SyC3wZHn04I/AAAAAAAAHU8/2dWJRvaHT2A/s720/IMG_3220.jpg

jlabel

12-14-2009, 08:46 AM

I liked the BW version

Bambi

12-14-2009, 01:52 PM

the B&W definitely has more drama and it probably the better picture. I am just biased- I love the blue of water. I find it fascinating all the different shades of blue and green it can take.

thanks Antz for putting in the colour version.

edbayani11

02-06-2011, 01:26 AM

i prefer the bw. the second pp is a lot better in contrast and you can see the mountain range in the horizon. have you tried putting a blank layer and filing it with black and changing the blending mode to color?

asnow

02-06-2011, 02:06 PM

I like the B&W of the second shot of the pier. My only concern is the slight vignetting at the top corners.