A shot from this morning

This morning we had thick fog and a breaking snow storm. I shot this image from the Moraine Park Museum shortly after sunrise. Unfortunately, as I got out of my vehicle for this shot I somehow locked myself out of the car. About 20 minutes later the first car came into the park and I was able to borrow a cell phone and get help. :-D

The main reason I'm posting this is because I do so little BW. I'd appreciate any input you have on this. I'll post the color image below.

Here's the color version.

I like the blue/yellow tension in the color version, but the b&w is nice, too. (BIG help, ain't I?!) The overall scene is fantastic!

I agree completely with Todd.

Looks like a good b&W conversion. Everything above the fog layer has good contrast and the thin high clouds show-up nicely. Below the only issue I have with it is that the elk do not stand out as strongly as they do in the color version.

If I had to choose, I would also fall into the color version as well.

Erik,

So the guy you passed by when you head back to your truck is me. This morning was indeed interesting, worth the 45 minutes drive from Boulder. I like the color version more since I can feel the temperature and the elks are easily recognized.

That's funny Tien-Chien. If I hadn't just found someone with a phone, I would have been tapping your shoulder. Hope you had a successful morning.

Erik,
I like both. I tend to agree with Todd.
Dave Bartlett

This was a good choice for b&w because of the wide range of tones present, and you did a great job of conversion.
It's hard to comment any more than that with such a small version, though. This one is tough to really appreciate at this size.

Thanks for the comments so far guys! You can find a larger version of the image here: http://imagesofrmnp.com/photo.php?id=1126&gallery=vertical

Thanks for posting that link...makes quite a difference!
Like Todd said, the overall scene really is terrific. After seeing the larger version, I'm now in the 'color' camp.

The last time I locked myself out of a vehicle, I went and bought a magnetic 'Hide-A-Key' apparatus. It's never fallen off the undercarriage, and I've had to use it a couple of times now.
Imagine locking yourself out at the White Pocket or some such place!

Thanks for the input. I went out this morning and had another key made to keep in my camera bag. I may have another one to do as you suggested as well John. I'm such a dork sometimes.

Color is the way to go here.

RV

Both are nice, but I like the color version better.

Thanks for letting me know where you hide your keys, John. I may take your Jeep for a joy ride the next time I'm in Cortez.

Yeah, the color is my clear preference though i like the B&W as well. I just wouldnt want to waste the real nice range of colors in the color version. The B&W seems a little 'flat' to me, not sure why since it seems to be high enough in contrast.

The color version works better for me too, Erik. I do like the BW though and if you could make the elk stand out more and make the top half not look so flat, I'd think I'd prefer it. BTW, the bottom half of this image, cropped to somewhere above the tree makes a nice image on its own.

Wonderful image Erik! The fog really makes the image for me. Makes it appear dream like. I'm leaning toward the color version.

Very nice and dynamic. I like 'em both a lot, but the BW seemed more fun to find the elk. Nice!