Colour or monochrome?

[batmura]

Any C&C about these two images is most welcome. Do you prefer the B&W version or colour? Any other suggestions or comments?

#1

Riva-December 3 by batmura, on Flickr

#2

Riva-December 4 by batmura, on Flickr

[sdwilsonsct]

B&W is much more artistic, whatever that is...

[Jeremy Roussak]

Any C&C about these two images is most welcome. Do you prefer the B&W version or colour? Any other suggestions or comments?

I'm not sure I like the blurred reef on the left very much. I think the underlying question is whether the colour is necessary. Does it contribute to the overall effect? Here, the answer is no.

Jeremy

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I agree: the color doesn't add anything here. I'd go with the B&W.

[luxborealis]

Wow - both are very effective. Usually I would go with the B&W, but in this case, those subtle and somewhat contrasting hues in the colour version add a depth that' shuts not there in B&W. The B&W seems like it could slightly brighter; there also seems to be "missing" middle tones that might just bring a similar depth as in the colour version.

Both are superb, though.

[stamper]

I have thought for quite a while that posting an image and an alternative version a good thing. both by the originator and not someone else processing what is essentially a processed small jpeg. This proves the point. Two very good versions and personally I can't choose one over the other because they are both worthy.

[pikeys]

Both are excellent.
I prefer the color version,There are some very subtle colors in the sky,that I prefer.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

As usual, Terry's comments are very perceptive and they got me to go back and look again.
Now I think I agree with Stamper that both are excellent and I'm not sure which I would want to live with on a long term basis.

Again following Terry's comments, I'd like to see the BW one with the shadows opened up a bit more. It might match the subtlety of the color version, or maybe not.

[luxborealis]

In looking at these again, I'm finding the ship(?) on the centre horizon to be a dilemma. In one sense it gives the eye a place to wander to which would be lost if it were removed. But it can also be seen as an unnecessary distraction - almost and end in itself when there is much else to explore in this photograph. Perhaps in this small iteration, it's not as much of a problem. In a large print, it might be. Depends on one' p.o.v I guess.

[batmura]

Thanks a lot, everyone. Your comments help me a lot!

[slothead]

I think I agree with most.  With this particular shot the color doesn't do anything for me.