This is a dilemma we all face–color or black and white (AKA Monochrome). Patti suggests, for this challenge, that we show a maximum of three images processed in both color and black and white.

When I compose a photograph, I don’t think color or black and white. That time comes during processing. Since I mainly use Lightroom, if I think there’s enough contrast, I will use the black and white button in LR just to see what it would look like. If I like it, then I process the image using LR and Silver Efex.

I photographed this water lily and wondered what it would look like in B&W. I liked the drama that was created and finished processing in Silver Efex. Do you think the contrast in the leaves makes up for the loss of color?

Sometimes, an overcast day presents an almost B&W image on its own. This was taken in Bodega Bay on the California Coast. I thought the dark boat, clouds and light shining on the water created enough contrast for a B&W image. But then the color image looks right also. What do you think?

Finally, not knowing Patti was going to present this challenge, I challenged myself to a sunset in B&W. What would a beautiful, colorful sunset look like in monochrome? See for yourself.

I think the monochrome works mainly because of the reflection in the water. But is working good enough? What do you think?

This has been a great exercise Patti. Thank you! When you post your responses, please link to Patti’s original challenge and use the Lens-Artists tag. I’m anxious to see your posts. Last week, we saw a lot of dogs and cats thanks to Tina’s challenge. It was fun to see your pets and grand pets. Next week Ann-Christine will challenge us, so please look for her post.

In the meantime, be resilient and live in gratitude.

39 thoughts on “Lens Artist Challenge #334: Exploring Color vs Black and White”

  2. Anne, the photos are great. Each one could be its own preferred choice. However, side by side, I have my preferences. The flower is definitely more dramatic as a monochrome. The color version is beautiful, but I’d pick the black and white. There’s more drama and impact to my eyes. The same goes for the boat. I do not think that comparing the two versions leaves the blue sky uneventful. On the other hand, the black and white is more serene and creates an aura of mystery — probably with the silver colors being more noticeable in black and white. As for the final image, I can’t run away from the color version. The monochrome loses the intensity my eyes want to see. Great images and edits!

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  7. Excellent choices Anne. For me, I prefer all of the images in color. But if this week is teaching me anything, it’s that each person has his or her own personal preferences. An excellent example of that is the variety of responses to each post! Beautiful choices for the week.

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  9. Waterlily has to be in colour for me. Too much is lost in monochrome, still beautiful but I’d have the vibrant colours every time! The other two are so beautiful and timeless in both versions, Anne.

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      1. What software do you use to process your pictures? Sometimes I decrease the contrast a bit, as well as soften or blur a flower. Once I do that, a bit of decreasing the highlights, for a bit of subtle detail, helps, and even increasing the whites. I use LR primarily myself. Now you have me thinking!!

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  17. That lovely pink water lily is a standout in color, however the B&W holds its own with the shadows and veining of the petals. I prefer the color version of the sailboat. Now that sunset – I absolutely adore sunset photos and this one is stunning. At the same time, the B&W draws my attention to the tree branches and their reflection in the water which is also striking. Still, of the two, I wish I’d taken the color shot!!!

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    1. Thanks Lindy! I agree with you all the way. Somehow, there’s just a hint of color in the sail boat to make a difference. The flower in monochrome allows us to see more of the petal structure and the sunset is a toss up, leaning to the color version. Actually, I didn’t expect the monochrome to come out as good as it did.

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