Double Trouble B&W

I don't usually do black and white, but something told me to convert this one. From last night near Agate. Clicky the 1200px size. I'll post the color version too.

The color version. I'm usually solidly in the color camp, but I kinda think the B&W wins this round. Thoughts? Thanks, Josh

SInce I am on a B&W kick currently, my vote is definitely the B&W version. Storm clouds always seem more menacing and more true to reality in B&W than color, for me anyway. I suspect also the Wizard of Oz has something to do with it as well.

Hi Josh, I prefer the B&W version too however I think it might be too dark overall. I could be wrong though, looking at this one on my iphone. The color version looks well exposed, where I can see more definition in the clouds. Very cool image btw, just connects to the soul.

For me, the color version is best. The b&w doesn't have quite enough tonal variation, and the dark cloud clips the top of the tree and the building, where a bit more separation would have been an asset.
The color contrast are pretty nice, too.
This is a wonderful capture no matter which rendering you choose!

I like the B&W version just a tad more. While I see Johns point about the tonal variation and how the clouds clip the tips of the building and barn, I think if you selectively brightened up both the tree and structure as well as slightly brightening up the sky will help tremendously. Also with the sky brightened up, add a bit more contrast for some punch. Both versions are great, but there is just something about the stormy B&W feel that just seems more appropriate and fitting.

I'm with John on this one. The warm & cool colors in the color version give a lot more interest to my eye. If you could pull more detail out of the B&W, it would be wonderfully spooky.

I'm on a B&W kick also. The dark shack is such a nice contrast, it works for me. If there are some random lighter spots in the clouds, maybe accentuate this a little but don't do an overall brightening of that monstrous ominous cloud. It's quite formidable to me (that's a plus, lol).

Opinions are definitely split. I prefer the color version - especially the blue-gold contrast.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. This is a close one, I switch back and forth myself. For anyone curious, here's a 1200px size of the color one on my website.

http://landscapeslimited.com/PImagePages/DoubleTrouble.html

The color combo works very well for me. Cool shot.

the color shot by far. imho for the b&w to work you need to bring in more cloud and shack texture.

I vote for the color version!!

The old home stands out better from the clouds in the color version. In both versions, one thought would be to lighten the house just a little so more of the wood detail is visible. Overall, I prefer the color version. As Bill said, the blue and gold is nice. I would like the B&W more if the house was more distinct from the dark ominous cloud. Another thought I have is to crop the top quarter of the cloud.

I like 'em BOTH! Each has a unique "feel" to them. Good job!

the color shot by far. imho for the b&w to work you need to bring in more cloud and shack texture.