Untitled (with repost)

Here's the color version.

Carey,

This is a nice, pleasing scene. I like the Kaleidoscope-like effects of the rock faces where they meet the water.

I think the color version works a bit better for this image since there is some color contrast in the pine trees. The B&W has little tonal contrast in the trees, so they are blocked up. 

I think the B&W has the potential to be the stronger image, but it needs stronger highlights and more clarity. If I were editing in Lightroom, I'd adjust the greens, yellows, and oranges to get better tonal contrast in the trees and then add a pretty good dose of clarity to make it pop. I like to add clarity and often decrease contrast in B&W pictures to get the look I like.

My preference would also be the color version. It adds some subtle details to the picture, and where the sky looks a bit empty in the B+W version, the subtle gradient in the sky in the color version eliminates that nit. The reflection is really nice, and you made the right choice going for a 50/50 comp!

Very clean and symmetrical. I like it a lot. 

Carey, both versions are very nicely stark and chilly, showing excellent details.  I slightly prefer the b&w version as it seems to emphasize the starkness of the scene, but both are fine takes on a lovely winter view.

Carey, I like both versions of this but prefer the color. I like your composition and you took wonderful advantage of the reflections. Nice work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Carey,  Yeah, it's been a while, great to see a post from you.  And what a fabulous image!

I'm torn between the two versions, but ultimately I prefer the color.  B&W is great for showing form, shape, graphics and of course light and contrasts, which this image has plenty of.  But some about the color version, including the almost pale colors, which for me work beautifully with this image.  Of course the symmetry and mirrored reflection aren't hurting either.  Just a terrific image any way I look at it.

Just one small wish - and that's for a tiny bit more breathing room at the bottom, but not a big deal.

Thanks for posting,

Lon

Thank you for the feedback everyone. I've played around a bit with the image and tweaked the color and highlights somewhat.

Lon, there was a little more "breathing room" available  as you put it, so I included it in the repost.

Brad thanks for the suggestions. My normal approach would be to bump up the clarity as you suggested but in this instance it just wasn't working. For starters, the trees around the pond were very scraggly looking and increasing the clarity emphasized that even more which created a lot of dissonance with the rest of the scene.  This was counter to my objective which was to create a feeling of serenity so I lowered the contrast in that area to try to get a softer look.

Carey,

The last repost looks great, and I appreciate the quite nature of this scene.  It is a great image to sit back at and enjoy after a busy day to calm the soul. The color version wins me over as the subtle tones really bring out the best in this image for myself.

I like the repost, and it go rid of the haloes around the distant peaks.  I would love to see that one converted to b/w.
ML