Color or B/W?

Rarely do I struggle so much with deciding between color/monochrome, but this one really has me stumped. My wife feels the same way. So, I thought I'd toss it up here for some public opinion. They both have their own merits, but I will only choose one version for my online portfolio. A color version is on my website now, but I am leaning towards B/W - for the mood. But the color palette is so nice.

Your thoughts?

Man, this IS tough! I like them both! If I absolutely had to pick only one--I guess I would go with the B&W. It has more emotion to it.

I like them both too. I don't really have a preference, so I'm of no use. My hunch is that the color version might sell better.

Personally, I much prefer the B&W.

Grant, I think you might have nailed my subconscious thought - color for the sales person in me, B/W for the artist in me. Thanks for the comments so far, guys.

I'm tempted to just answer "yes," but I gotta say, the b&w version is my preference by about 15-20%. I see what you mean about the color palette, but that b&w version is so freaking strong, more so due to your creative vignetting. But what about a mild sepia toning? I think straight b&w is best, but it'd be cool to see it with an old-timey feel.

I like the fg in the b&w, but the middle ground green bushes are kind of missing in the b&w conversion. To make the decision even harder, I'd try something between these two, that is, desaturating the color one but not completely losing the colors.

Ooops, forgot to mention that this version is sepia toned. Thanks Todd. The toning may be too mild.

Above a contrast with straight B/W.

Edit: great idea on the desaturation ...

I like the color. The vignette seems too extreme in the BW for my tastes. That said, I'm not a big fan of BW in general.

These are awesome! I think they are both very, very good. I'm not sure I could choose one over the other, either.

I see why you are having such a tough time.
I slightly prefer the color. but I'd have to compare prints to make that choice.

Tough call indeed, but I'm leaning toward a toned b&w or a desaturated color version.

This is a terrific image! Every single element in the composition lines up like the stars in order to frame that old building.
I just love it.

Jesse--
Is this the house in Steamboat? Personally, they're both great. If I can't vote "present", then I must vote for the B&W version. Stunning.

Both are outstanding, but I like the B&W the best.

I too like 'em both, but prefer the color version for the complimentary colors and the texture that the sage adds to the grass. It's an awesome image/comp and you can't go wrong either way.......

I'm leaning toward the B&W as well, I think the subject matter is only accentuated by the look of B&W and I like the toned version in this case. That said, the color version is great, the conversion just puts it over the top for me. Nice image, Jesse!

I'm leaning toward the B&W as well, I think the subject matter is only accentuated by the look of B&W and I like the toned version in this case. That said, the color version is great, the conversion just puts it over the top for me. Nice image, Jesse!

I agree with Scott the vignette on the B&W is quite strong. If I picked the color image I might increase the temperature on the grass just a hair.

Yep, that's a tough call. Overall I'd say color. The B&W is just as strong, but the vignette - mostly in the center edges - is a bit too much for me as well. Otherwise it would be about 50/50. It's a nice luxury to have an image that works so well both ways!

Both are excellent but I really like the Sepia BW

I have to go with the B&W. I like the way the grass has a more wavelike look without the green/brown color variation. To me it really gives the composition more emotion. In addition, if it's that close, I have to ask what does the color contribute to the image? If it's only "a nice palette" (which it is), I'd have to say that the power in the image is in the forms and light present, so again B&W. But then I do like B&W a lot.

I think I like the sepia B/W the best, because the b/w and the vignetting have the antique look that goes well with the subject matter. But, one thing I like about the color better is how the sage pops out... it's lost in the b/w. Tough call.

I have an image very similar to this. When I converted to BW, I was immediately drawn to it. With an older building, I think the BW is the better option..at least in my opinion. Very good image!

Jack

My initial reaction, and I can't believe I'm saying this, is the b&w. I'm such a color freak, it surprises me, but I think the sepia b&w has more impact.

Well I have to disagree with most and say the color version is by far my favorite! I love the gold grass. Great comp.

Why choose, Jesse. Use both. I see other photogs websites doing that and I think it's good to offer the option. Let the buyer make the tough choice. These are both wonderful. If the sage in the B&W was more separated from its surroundings, I'd probably lean that way, but as is, I don't really want to choose.

Another vote for the B/W. Even though the color version is wonderful, it could be considered more ordinary where as the B/W is more unique. Does that make sense?

I really like the BW and the Sepia is really awesome. Like Jack said, it adds that antique feel to it.

I'm all over the b&w version, Jesse. It just feels stronger and seems to work better w/ the subject matter. Both are nice but I'm definitely partial. Great work!

First reaction chose BW. After more study, choice was more difficult and again chose BW because of the emotion. Image is exceptionally good.

Bill Brennan

B&W! (sepia)

I too am partial to the B&W. The sepia looks good, but I would like to see it a bit larger to be certain about the choice.

BW. It's an old barn which reminds me of old photos which used to be BW. i like them both, but my reasoning won out over my preference for color. :)

Wow...Jesse, I think you've heard from everyone on the forum by now. First of all that looks like something that would be in Montana...being from there...and I like the black and white because it is more classic...at least on my computer the color isn't very brilliant or unusual and the black and whit makes the photo more interesting. But the dark edges are a bit much to my taste. However, can you go back and take the shot with a more front lit building...or has someone already mentioned that...I didn't read all the comments.

Jesse, stronger sepia version is the best!!! Color version is better, compare to the B&W version....regards, Rajeev

What a great image Jesse. I'll echo Jack's thoughts - I like the color version better due to the color palette and the way the sage stands out from the grasses. For some reason that just really sucks me in. The sepia tone version is excellent as well though. A winner either way.

LOL!!!
36 replies, and you're right back where you started!!!

They're both excellent in their own way....why not just post 'em both?

I just may include both. They are almost two completely different photographs. Thank you for chiming in everyone! An interesting experiment.

Jesse, what I like best in the color version is the contrasting band of sage along the fence. I prefer the B&W version, but miss the way the sage breaks up the fg and adds another element. I would try selecting the sage and either brighten or darken it in the B&W so it stands out as a different type of vegetation.

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John Zinn
Enduring Light Photography
"A moment in time... experienced, captured, preserved."
Site Updated 10/27

Great image either way. I actually like the sepia, gives it a timeless quality.