B&W or colour ?

[bnnrcn]

I wanted to shoot some sunsets with a 10 stop ND yesterday. When I went to the seaside the sun was still high. So I thought I might as well try my ND filter with some shots before the sun sets. I tried not to frame the sun directly and I took some photos. This is one of them. I uploaded the colour version as well but I don't like it very much because I edited it with WB-daylight option and I think the colours are too sweet (warm).

The FG is calm water and the sea is rough beyond the rocks.

So I would like to know which one you prefer and C&C appreciated as always

[Mike Buckley]

The color image is so close to being a monochrome image that I see both of them essentially as monochromes with one being toned and one not being toned. So, it then becomes a question of which color to use as the tone and how intense it should be. In that context, I would prefer the black-and-white image though toned with something similar to sepia toning because the toning adds warmth without being as overbearing as the color version.

[John 2]

I agree with Mikes comments but what I find interesting is the total difference in mood. The warmer image speaks of a summer's evening but the B/W image almost looks stormy. Prefer the latter.

[Shadowman]

Binnur,

Both have differing effects on the imagery, the first image looks cold and dangerous, the second looks warm and peaceful. Also, the second looks like coffee beans waiting to be brewed. Nice captures.

[bnnrcn]

Thank you Mike, John 2 and John for your comments

Mike , I will try the sepia toning.

[bnnrcn]

Here is the version with sepia toning as Mike suggested . I actually desaturated the sepia tone a little bit because the colors were too warm in the sepia option of PS CC

[Brownbear]

Hi Binnur,

I was just about to post that I prefer the b&w version because the colours don't seem real but now that I see the sepia I think I prefer this last one. (at first thought)

Lovely composition. I especially like the layers of the smooth water, rocks and rough water. This image would also work for me without the sky, or less sky.

[bnnrcn]

Thanks for commenting Christina . I wasn't happy with the colour one while uploading either , so it goes to the dustbin

[Mike Buckley]

The sepia tone is definitely my favorite.

I actually desaturated the sepia tone a little bit because the colors were too warm in the sepia option of PS CC

As an alternative, I assume you can custom define the toning, as there is a wide range of toning that people think of as sepia. (I happen to like this toning because of its reddish-brownish tone that for me says "sepia.") Yet another alternative is to apply whatever toning you decide upon at a reduced opacity.

[bnnrcn]

Thanks for suggesting the sepia option Mike. I was stuck in between B&W and the colour, so sepia solved the problem. I will keep in mind your suggestion about reducing the opacity as well

The sepia tone is definitely my favorite.



As an alternative, I assume you can custom define the toning, as there is a wide range of toning that people think of as sepia. (I happen to like this toning because of its reddish-brownish tone that for me says "sepia.") Yet another alternative is to apply whatever toning you decide upon at a reduced opacity.

[dabhand]

Binnur,

Could I suggest you also try a cyanotype option - I appreciate it's a personal thing but I always prefer the sea to have a blue'ish tinge, could be because most of the time around here it's grey!

steve

[bnnrcn]

Here is the cyanotype as Steve suggests. Steve it is blue, but IMO it has a mysterious look

[Mike Buckley]

The cyanotype works for me as well as the sepia. Great idea, Steve!

I have a custom preset that I use to emulate an albumen print and it works just as well on this image. I'm sure there are other viable tonings to be used.

[dabhand]

[QUOTE=bnnrcn;423688]Here is the cyanotype as Steve suggests. Steve it is blue, but IMO it has a misterious look

The cyanotype works for me as well as the sepia. Great idea, Steve!

I have a custom preset that I use to emulate an albumen print and it works just as well on this image. I'm sure there are other viable tonings to be used.

That's the great thing about the sea - it has so many moods and that combined with people's understanding of it, pretty much means most any toning will have an effect on someone somewhere.

steve

[Mike Buckley]

That's the great thing about the sea - it has so many moods and that combined with people's understanding of it, pretty much means most any toning will have an effect on someone somewhere.

I've never thought about the sea that way. Now that you explain it, I'm sure you're right.

[Brownbear]

Hi Binnur,

Just to say that I like the blue version the best. Beautiful in blue!

[bnnrcn]

Thank you Christina. As Steve says above , each tone of sea has an effect on someone somewhere

[Wavelength]

This is fun.... i liked all the versions..... what is that building seen at distance?

[bnnrcn]

Thank you Nandakumar. Interesting image for me too, different tones have created different moods What you have seen at distance is not a building, it is Çanakkale Martyrs' Memorial. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%87a...'_Memorial