The Difference

Deciding whether or not to shoot in color versus black and white can be a challenge. Some subjects look best in color; some look best in black and white. Some can even look good both ways. In the end it comes down to two things- your artistic intent and your opinion/preference. You are the artist and the one who has the final say! I put this together for Beryl @Beryl and Judith @busylady who were both commenting today that they would have preferred a color shot over the black and white they posted for Flash of Red February.

This picture is a good example of when to go with color over black and white. I don't think the black and white does it any justice even though it puts the emphasis on the shapes. The color version just gives it a little more interest and umph! What do you think?

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@beryl @busylady Inspired by your comments on your pictures today. As much as I love black and white, in this case, I'd go with the color verson!

[Brigette]

so true Ann

[Babs]

I love black and white, but this shot does look better in colour. Black and white looks a bit flat but the colour version really pops.

[Maggiemae]

An interesting subject - some are not round. Colour makes the difference!

[Mason Martin]

I like the funny face piece.

[PhotoCrazy]

I like the color version! nice pic!

[Corinne C]

A slightly preference for the color version

[Kathy]

I agree - color is my favorite on this photo.

[Carey Martin]

I like the color one best! It adds more depth and helps the eye move around the image more.

[Walks @ 7]

I'm voting for B&W. I like the way the 'face' seems to be more of the central focus.

[Beryl Lloyd]

Great comparison illustrated here and of course it is also personal preference Using b/w is always a good starting point for any painting to distinguish between light and shade in an image. But to me colour gives you the all round finished object.
My personal love of colour makes persevering in b/w quite difficult at times , but is an exercise I chose to partake each year as it stretches my imagination and refreshes my ideas.
Now thinking hard of the next week's subject! I shall have to venture to the garage to see what I can discover!! Thanks Ann for your great guidance throughout the month .

[Dawn]

I like the colour in this instance

[Nada]

What a great illustration of differences and choices. You are a natural teacher, Ann.

[katy]

I think I agree with @joysabin on this one

[wendy frost]

I prefer B/W with my eyes which are getting old it pings.

[Diana]

Fabulous comparison shots, I am all for colour though.

[bkb in the city]

I prefer black and white

[Kathy A]

Its definitely colour for me

[Harry J Benson]

Looks good both ways

[haskar]

In color picture my eyes follow blue. In mono one, the main focus is on the central circle that resembles a face. These are two different images and I read them differently.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@brigette @onewing @onewing @masonmartin @photographycrazy @corinnec @careymartin @randystreat @joysabin @beryl @Dawn @njmom3 @grammyn @wendyfrost @ludwigsdiana @bkbinthecity @kjarn @hjbenson @haskar

Thank you to one and all for your interesting comments and feedback- it's always fun to see what people think about these things!

I have two nights of meetings so I'll be hit or miss at the start this week- but I'll try to keep up as best I can.