I believe every photographer, when editing the day’s harvest, would for some images ponder the decision whether an image would look better in color or monochrome. For me, this happens mainly with photographs that have a high contrast range, like this scene I took in the Lobby of the Ice Bar Berlin (ever had a drink in an arctic environment?). I was attracted by the harmony of the colors, in addition to the playful lighting effects), so I shot this in color with my PEN-F and the 12mm f/2 prime lens (image specs 1/80 sec @ f/2.2 and ISO 2000). When processing the photo in Lightroom CC Classic, I was seeing the potential for a monochrome conversion, and applied a high contrast preset, that also introduced some grain, mimicking an analogue film (as you see above, the PEN-F has no noise issues at ISO 2000, at least if you keep the image at a reasonable size). I like both version, but if I need to pick one I tend to take the colored version. I would be interested in your views, please comment below.
I’m back in the Pacific Northwest, but this time for work again. It has been a busy week, thus the lack of posts and opportunities to venture out and shoot in the streets. I’m heading to Seattle for the weekend, so this will change 🙂
Wish you a great Friday
Marcus
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Street Photography Quick Tip 11 – Using Color Accents
I like the colours, but the B&W version is nicer to look at
Thanks for your feedback! Marcus
I love monochrome and black and white pictures. Some skies and clouds always look a little more dramatic. I like it with architecture too. Both of these shots are great, but like you I like the colored version slightly better. Great work as always Marcus.
Thanks, my friend, it means so much! Marcus
Always and you are very welcome Marcus
I think the colors were so great here that I prefer the color one. It depends on the image for me! But it’s an awesome photo either way.
Thanks, Kristin, appreciate your comment. The colors drew me to it. Marcus
I can see the appeal of both, but the color version is my favorite overall.
Thanks, Amy, mine too, this is why it was the leading image! Hope your week is going well! Marcus
I think the color first drew you to the image and that it was a good instinct. But isn’t it interesting how manipulating an image, like putting it in black and white, makes you see different things in it?
Thanks for commenting, Margaret, and you nailed it with your words. This is why I love to look many of my images under different aspects. Marcus
Color is the primary and unique feature in this scene.
Thanks, C.S., I agree. Although the contrasts coming out in the B&W version are also quite attractive. But it was the color that drew me to this image. Marcus
I would have immediately said colour, but the monochrome actually creates something totally different in the way of mood and how I felt. Now I can’t choose, it depends how you would be presenting the picture I suppose.
Thanks, Jill, love your comment! Both work, and you are right it would depend on the context in which they are presented. Hope your week is going well! Marcus
I love them both, but the color one is more interesting to my eye. Or… I am still in the summer mood where everything needs to be colorful and enthusiastic.
Thanks, Daan, appreciate your comment! Marcus
I love them both! The black and white might be my favorite though. Have a great weekend Marcus!
Thanks, Janet, appreciate your comment and wish! I had a really nice weekend in Seattle. Hope your week is going well! Marcus
No hesitation. Simply the colored one the best.Thank you
Thanks, appreciate your feedback. It was the colors that drew me to the scene in the first place! Marcus
I don’t understand technical details from your post because I am totally novice. I love your photos for what they make me feel. I need time to absorb the whole imagine: the people, the things, the colors……..
Thanks, Dana, I appreciate your kind words, this is wonderful feedback! Marcus
I always prefer the portrait in monochrome. Somehow, it makes it stand out and brings the emotions alive.
Thanks, Arv! It was amazing how different the photo looked in monochrome. Marcus
🙂
I am totally with you, when to decide if a high contrast image might look better in monochrome. Often I am very surprised how much better a monochrome looks like and I am happy of those results, of course it depends on the mood and message of the image. To my surprise it happens sometimes with portraits. In your case I prefer the color image, it sets the mood of this place perfectly. Have a great weekend.
The colour one works best for me
Thanks for the feedback. The colors drew me to this image in the first place! Marcus
Two images, two absolutely different moods. I like how you played with hard contrast .
The first image is inviting and joyful, the second invites you to spend some time in another mysterious universe. I like both photographs very much! They are excellent!
Wish you a nice relaxing weekend in Seattle, Marcus!
Love your kind words, Kaya, they mean a lot! My weekend in Seattle was great, hope your week is going well! Marcus
What do you want your viewers to see….the mood the colours might create, or do you want them to concentrate on the elements of the image?
Thanks, for commenting, Sue. I think you got it right. The color version is about the mood, the monochrome lets the details pop. Marcus
😊😊
I usually go for color but this one becomes pure magic in black-and-white!!
Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback! Marcus
I prefer the color version because of visual balance. The BW feels lopsided because of the blank space in the lower left side. In the color version the same space anchors the colors and patterns and seems to ground the composition.
Thanks, Sandy, I really appreciate your greta comment! I haven’t looked at it that way, but I think you nailed it! Marcus
I’m a big fan of monochrome but in this case I prefer the colour image, mainly because of the red / blue / purple colour palette that draws the eye in and gives the bar area and the lights more attention.
Thanks, Stuart, appreciate your feedback. Marcus
This was interesting, Marcus. With the color photo, I immediately was drawn to the blue screen in the center of the photo. In the black and white, I noticed the dots on the right side of the photo. That said, I think my preference would be the B&W.
Thanks, Lois, I really like your comment! It is fascinating to see how different the eye sees the two versions. This is why I love photography! Marcus
FULL contrasting color is my choice on this photo. However the black and white image defines the space differently.
Thanks, Diann, appreciate your feedback. I agree, the anchor points and the space appear completely different in the two versions. Marcus