B&W REPOST - Close Encounters of the Iconic Kind

Thanks to everyone who responded with the comments to try a B&W conversion of this scene. I've only tried a B&W conversion maybe five times so I don't really know if this any good or not.

I like it! The tower really stands out nicely. Those storm clouds add drama.

Here's a link to the color version.
This is pretty much how I imagined it would turn out.
Any way to regain the brightness of those interesting clouds? I enjoyed those in the color version, but they kinda got lost here.
I could also see cropping about an inch from the bottom as the loose stones are somewhat distracting and it feels slightly bottom heavy as it stands.
This makes for a powerful b&w presentation.

Agree with what John said, and this is a very powerful image.

I favor the B/w here for sure!

Doug, why the crop from the color version? I think that image was more balanced. In this one, the edges of the monument look a bit fake against the dark sky and as John mentioned, it feels bottom heavy. I think you're heading in the right direction, but I think it still needs work.

"Doug, why the crop from the color version? I think that image was more balanced."

Great catch, Paul!
I also prefer the original crop, Doug.

Thanks for follow-up replies folks. As for the crop, I guess I also thought some suggested cropping out some of the rocks at the bottom in the color version would be useful along with the B&W conversion. Re-reading the original thread it appears I only imagined that part.

I think you have a killer conversion here. Of course I prefer the higher contrast b&w's. Excellent comp and the lines in the tower really lend itself to a great b&w shot.