HDR vs black and white

[The Blue Boy]

Hello everyone,
I'd like some advice over HDR vs black and white. Everybody that looks at HDR conversions these days is bowled over. I'm not convinced but this is a first attempt at HDR, so would appreciate some guidance. I've always liked B & W but since I converted to pixels I've stuggled in software to achieve the same "pop"

See attached to see what I mean,

Attachment 155
Attachment 156
Attachment 157

The HDR was created using a monopod and +2-2 stops, then converted in Photomatix Pro.
The original with Nikon D80 (+ as above)
The B & W was converted using CS3.

Cheers Guys

Mark

[David]

Hi Mark - Interesting post re HDR vs B/W. My own view is that the two techniques are not in competition. HDR is not "better than" B/W or vice versa. They are different ways of expressing an image captured via a camera. HDR software such as Photomatix Pro can produce "creative" images such as yours, but such software can also give rise to "natural" looking images. As with B/W versus HDR, "creative" use of HDR versus production of "natural" images is not really a debate. Image makers are simply producing different types of image.

Cheers

David

PS Update: I've just posted a "natural" HDR image in the Nature and Architecture section.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Mark, I voted HDR, as I found it the most interesting of the 3 options for this scene.

I don't normally like heavily stylised HDR images, and even in the more normal looking examples you see published, I dislike the broad halo effect around things 'sticking into' the sky, e.g. the street lamp, but you have controlled that quite well here. I really like the colour in the cars, I think that's what sells it to me, well done.

I agree with David though, it's not so much a competition, or choice between HDR or BW, it all depends what you're shooting and how you want to portray that to viewers.

Regards, Dave