The Mill + B&W repost

Today I was sifting through some of my old images and decided to take this one on. Some of you may remember when I hiked to the Crystal River Mill in early March of 2011. That morning I had no idea what to expect, I was just happy it snowed 8 inches that night and I was going to get fresh powder accentuating the Mill and its surroundings. I didn’t realize the sun would rise pretty much directly above the Mill and left me with a super high dynamic scene that a single frame wouldn’t catch so I at least had the where with all to shoot it in brackets.

Fast forward a few years, my post processing skills have bettered and now feel its time to take this image on. Overall it's a very difficult image to blend. Creating even tonalities throughout this scene is tough but I think Ive done a pretty good job this time. I’m not sure its done, or complete, or even yet worthy to post on my site however I need you to assist me with any critique. I have two versions; a Color version and a Black & White. I prefer the color version because I love bold color. However I think the B & W has a really nice even tonality to it. Let me know what you think.

Heres a second shot that I'm just curious if it works for you.

Hi Kane,

Of the first shots - I love the view, different than what I have seen - and I prefer the black&white because it really brings the composition and form.

The second is a very different shot and also quite remarkable for its clarity. But I still prefer the #1 B&W.

Hey Kane,

I really like the color version of the first shot. I can feel the cold and the wind in it. The second shot is good as well, I just prefer the first one.

I know what you mean about the contrast in the morning at this location. I've always wanted to shoot the mill at 'morning sun' side to complete my series of the place and hope to do so in the future.

I'd say the B&W is working better for me, Kane. My eye seems to focus more in the river and mill in that one, whereas in the color something is drawing it off to the edges. I like the second shot too, the green and blue palette works, and the high flow in the water is impressive and exciting.

The black and white would be my preference. Maybe? bring up the highlights on the snow mounds along river as it looks a little too gray to me.

I'm with Doug, Kane about the whites needing some brightening. Just a little gray. But, it's a great perspective of the mill. The comp works really well. As does the second one. Obvious different focal points for your subject in both, so they work on different levels. Fine images.

I really like the composition, especially the foreground, in the first image.
I'm torn between the color vs. BW. I think I'd prefer the BW, if the snow were a bit brighter.

First and foremost, I think you've done a remarkable job with the image blend! It looks like one exposure to me, and that says it all.
As much as I love good b&w photography, I have to go with the color version here because it imparts the feeling of cold better.
The reflection in the pool, the icicles on the left and the colors in general all appeal to me more with the color version. In short, this is an excellent image!
I like the second image quite a bit, too. It's a unique autumnal view of a place that has been photographed plenty. Composition and light are great.

Really like the first shot, Kane. I'm also a big fan of color, so I'm going to give that one the nod here. I'm going to go with the recommendation some have given for the B&W for the color one. Bring the snow up a pinch, and maybe also the mill itself a smidge. Just my 2 cents on it. Great comp.

Great feedback, here's a repost with better highlights to the foreground snow. The change is slight but noticable. I hope this works.

I definitely favor the black and white too. Just really like that comp with the foreground snowy rocks. I like the repost, the brighter highlights on the snow work great for me. I wouldn't mind seeing some of the midtones opened up just a little bit more too, especially on the mill itself. The backlighting seems to be keeping the detail of its wood beams away from my eyes still. Sweet image!