This is the black-and-white version of a photo that I posted 2 days ago.

I worked with the channel mixer in Photoshop to get this B+W version rather than just stripping the colour out. It really let me control the tones in the image, and I suppose it is similar to using filters when shooting B+W film. The shot becomes much more dramatic and I like the depth and range of tones that I get. I don't have a preference for one or the other, but I'll let everyone decide for themselves.

comment by Owen on February 4, 2006, 1:14 PM

Hey Richard,
I like the comparison of the colour to the B&W. The Honest Ed Alley sign becomes much more of a focal point in the B&W version of the image, without the colours to distract the eye. But the colours in the original are so beautiful. The way they blend together on the walls and contrast with the grey blue in the background is quite amazing. I think I'm leaning towards the colour version right now... :)
Owen

comment by Richard on February 5, 2006, 7:22 PM

Thanks for the comment Owen. It's interesting that most people I've talked to who've seen both pictures seem to like the colour version for many of the same reasons you mention. But the more I look at it, the more I like the B+W version. And I'm enjoying the fact that 2 versions of the same image can have such a different effect on people.

comment by mel on February 20, 2006, 4:43 PM

hrm... for me, I think I like the b&w. The lights seem to pop more and for some reason the scene seems to give more of an authentic 60s era for me?

Sorry, comments closed.