we will remember them

In the memorial plaque I saw the reflection of the nearby street and

life going on in the sunshine.It made me think.

I will try again to upload b&w version

Andrew,

Start with the color image, add a new layer and convert it to B&W, then reduce the opacity of the B&W layer to 50%. This should give you muted colors. Play with the opacity until you get a look you like. Lets see what you come up with.

Hi Paul, I had a play etc as you suggested but not really sure of using levels and layers etc...So didnt really get much of a result.

I agree that the black and white shot has a 'wow' factor. The color version is a great photo in its own right. The issue I find with the original is that the color is interesting- interesting in a way that diverts attention from the impact of the scene itself. It competes with itself for my interest rather than letting the message get my full attention.

The black and white version does a few things for me. First, it isolates the meaning of the image from the prettiness of the colors. Secondly, the black and white image takes away my ability to judge from the woman's clothes that the photo is recent. As black and white, the woman could be from any period of time. To me, even if that detracts from your original intent, it leads me to ask "Who is she? Is this a woman left behind? A widow? A lover in France? Did she know a man on the marker? Is it his daughter or grand daughter?"

Realizing that it may be the passage of time you are trying to illustrate, and respecting that, one cannot deny that a successful photo is one where the viewer finds something personal within it even if that was not the idea of the photographer.

Great Great work.

John, I have to say that I too prefer the B&W version as suggested by Paul. Why though I didnt really know but I think you have put your finger exactly on the reason ie 'interesting colour competing for attention' ....

The passing of time was only a small part of what i wanted to portray..its was the reflection of a life lived today and the warm bright sunshine and surroundings onto the cold black sombre memorial of those whose time was cut short and for a long time had not lived to see it.

re the ladies involvement... she too was reflecting on the sadness of the sacrifices made.

your considered thoughts were very helpful and astute I Thank you for giving your time to provide me with such detailed comment and critique it was/is exactly what I am looking for from PN members.My regards - Andy