NYC Doorway, B&W or Color?

binghott

i took this shot across the street from the ace of clubs on great jones street in manhattan after i shot a band.

i really liked this shot in color and also love it in black and white, but i could really use some help with this one. what do you guys think?

color:



black and white:

rutt

Right now, it's no contest. Color wins. But a better B&W conversion might change things. Where did the brick detail to the left of the door go? What about shadow details?

tclune

rutt wrote:

Right now, it's no contest. Color wins. But a better B&W conversion might change things. Where did the brick detail to the left of the door go? What about shadow details?

I concur. The color just plain looks darker -- which befits the city grunge. I can imagine that a B&W at the right contrast/brightness would heighten the film noir mood, but the B&W right now doesn't do that.

binghott

another black and white edit:

rutt

What happened to the writing on the glass above the door?

Richard

binghott wrote:

another black and white edit:

That's better, but I still prefer the color version. The lavender grafitti really shine, but not in B&W, of course. I think the mood is better conveyed in color.

ehughes

I have to go with the color version as well

Ed

rutt

Why not take in the opposite exterme and emphasize the color and contrast you actually have and try to hold as much shadow detail as you can.

binghott

thanks guys, i think i'll stick with the color for now, i really appreciate the help!