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

[amoz]

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

B

 

[Maxapple88]

I believe colour film is in colour for a reason and the same goes for black and white.

 

[cjm]

I think the B&W looks weird because of the lack of dynamic range and shadow detail you would get with real B&W film. IMHO, stick with the color, I think it works well.

 

[vrgard]

IMHO, I find the color to be distracting in both of these images.

 

[nightfly]

The first one I could go either way with although the purple in the foreground is a bit distracting. It might be a better black and white. I do think it's a strong shot and nicely composed.

The second one I would go with color but I don't think it's nearly as strong a shot as the first. In black and white it is so grainless that it looks sorta plasticy and almost digital. Honestly I would edit the second out of your selects. I see what you are going for, an unexpected angle on a very photographed building, but I don't think it quite works.

 

[kvanderlaag]

I think the color is quite beautiful in both. I agree with the previous post that states that the lack of dynamic range in B&W film makes the B&W versions look kind of awkward.

 

[morgan]

The first shot I could go either way, leaning toward b&w. The second one I definitely prefer in b&w - I think the color takes away from the cool angles.

 

[Bassism]

Even though they really do look like digital images in b&w, I prefer the first in b&w.
I'd go for colour in the second one.
It might be worth trying to play with the different colour channels in the conversion, you might be able to get a more dynamic image out of it.

 

[uhligfd]

Both shots are not really color shots; they are just blue and black. So the B+W versions of them are just changed duotone version of the same. You could make them sepia and black as well.

Now go find some shots in NYC with color and then ask again ...
(if you were to ask, i do not like any of the 4 pics very much, sorry, but you did not ask and I did not tell, did I))

 

[robin a]

B&W on the first,color on the second...............Robin

 

[MikeAUS]

B&W on the first,color on the second...............Robin

Agreed. The first one looks great in black and white. The 2nd one looks much better in colour - to me. I don't like the 2nd in B&W at all.

 

[like2fiddle]

My personal preference is the first in B&W and the second in color.

That being said, I think both photos could go either way depending on what kind of statement you are trying to make.

 

[amoz]

Thanks for watching and taking your time to vote and/or comment. Looks like there won't be a consensus 🙂... Keep voting!

I do admit the B&W conversion was quick 'n' dirty, maybe I can get a better dynamic range out of it. However, the light was harsh, and the film and lens are very contrasty as well.

 

[jgrilo]

First one, B&W. On the second one, the color version just attracts more attention to the disparity of color (you're drawn to the sky) whereas the B&W version shifts that attention to the lines. I prefer the B&W version. The purple patch in the first picture also adds a distraction element and that's one of the reasons why I prefer the B&W version. Both pictures could have more DR.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

IMHO, I find the color to be distracting in both of these images.

Distracting from what? You really can't see the photos?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I am torn between the B&W or color versions of these pics, so I could really use a second (or more) opinion. Thanks

I think the first photo works in both B&W and Color; I can see your dilemma.

The second one, to me, works best in B&W.

 

[amoz]

The second one, to me, works best in B&W.

I think so too. I did not want to influence the poll so have not mentioned it initially. I see a sort of science-fiction / space invaders scene in those 'sliding' buildings; and I tend to only feel that atmosphere in the more graphic B&W version.

In the end, I think I will opt for two B&W versions (with better DR).

 

[Mike Richards]

Color is not part of the story in the first one, and detracts from the mood of the image. On the second one, blue sky and copper toned buildings complement each other, making a nice color abstraction.

 

[martin s]

Definitely color, I agree with Maxapple.

I believe colour film is in colour for a reason and the same goes for black and white.

Cool shots, the first one really caught my attention.

martin

 

[snausages]

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

I think the crop helps the black and white version speak more concisely. Just a thought...