Are These NYC Photos Better in B&W or Color?

These NYC shots best in B&W or color?

  • both in color

    Votes: 11 19.6%
  • A color, B B&W

    Votes: 5 8.9%
  • A B&W, B color

    Votes: 12 21.4%
  • both in B&W

    Votes: 28 50.0%

  • Total voters
    56
I shoot mostly color, but for some reason NYC and B&W just go together, along with Rhapsody In Blue. :)
 
I actually like the composition of the original better. The cropped version you suggest removes depth. I like the framing effect of the dark areas in the original.

All subjective, of course. (-:


This is very subjective, but have you considered cropping the first one?
Maybe something like this?

3424956882_ac2b848070_o.png


I think the crop helps the black and white version speak more concisely. Just a thought...
 
I like both better in BW. In the first one the color doesn't add something for me and the second, in color version already abstract, gains in BW. (Just my opinion of course ... :))
 
I don´t like the first one not at all because the dark "blind" spot in the middle.
The second one is much better in b/w because reduction to the structure of the architecture. But in general NYC is a great place for color shooting.
Sorry, no poll
R
 
Keep in mind you asked the question . . .

I really wish I had more time to offer a more thoughtful response . . .

It is interesting to see both images side by side, and both in b/w and color.

My first thought is that I would recommend for you to print out all of these images (b/w and color) and hang them on a wall where, in passing you see them everyday; live with them for a while before you make a decision.

As for my opinion, keep in mind these are just our opinions, it is so subjective, and each with our biases or preferences. I have always preferred b/w prints, but I have been photographing a little more in color with fairly exciting results.

The first image, in all honesty, I think works either in color or b/w; it just depends what kind of mood, atmosphere, feeling, or perceptions you want to portray. The b/w in this image has a very classic, yet modern feeling to it, while the color emulates that of some of the early colorists (Meyerowitz, Sternfield, Shore, etc . . . ). So, I think it is your call as to which one is your preference, vision, mood, feeling at the moment.

The second image really speaks to me more in b/w. Maybe it is the historical reference of the flat iron building in relationship to the photo successionists, and that building their photographic icon for their movement.

In this age of digital; it is amazing how you can easily seem to convert back and forth to one or the other, and actually make the decision later, which in some respects just doesn't seem right. Yet, this is the freedom or liberation of all of these choices because of technology.

This is one of the reasons why I just prefer to photograph using film and making the decision at the time I am photographing. The irony, though, is that sometimes I have two cameras, one loaded with b/w and the other with color, then I decide after I see the images, which set to use.

Too many decisions to make . . .

:s:
:s:
 
Thank you all for the votes and comments, they were very helpful to me. After 50 votes it is 9-3-11-27, which means 38/50 prefer picture A in B&W and 30/50 prefer B in B&W.

I agree with Sisyphus and others, thinking A works both (and differently) in color and B&W. For picture B, I am set on B&W. Thanks again!
 
I am torn between the B&W or color versions of these pics, so I could really use a second (or more) opinion. Thanks!

Both taken in NYC on Velvia 100, with my MP and 35/2 asph.

A

pic2400dpi0011smallbw.jpg

This one is fabulous. Great job.
 
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