Scenes from Postwar Bosnia (Protected with a digital watermark by Digimarc ®)

I prefer the color, very nicely done.

Well, the color version works as fine art, the black and white has a photo journalism quality. Great composition, I like both! The pits (bullet holes?) in the wall look more ghastly in the B&W though.

I vote for color. Great work.

Without doubt for me, B & W is more arresting. The graphic design is brilliant.

 

B & W conyes the mood.

 

Datta.

This version is definitely more about the steps and to a lesser or maybe even equal extent, the door. I like the color versions because the yellow, which is normally a warm and happy color, is contrasted against the somber reality of its physical damage.

Somebody go get Marc!

I like the color version more

Yeah...what Doug said.

Definitely color. This is what provia is made for.

I like the color one better. It's more eye-catching, but also the color contrast draws more attention to the pits, which I think are your true subject, while the black and white version emphasizes more the abstract shape of the spiral staircase (nice enough but less meaningful).

Why ? Simply because I haven't seen a pretty-looking war in yellow and green dress before... That's the magic of this shot. Presenting atrocity in a beautiful way. In B&W the photo is beautiful, and in color, the will to survive is beautiful. Isn't that a stronger message...? By the way, the missing point in this otherwise perfect and to me very touching composition is a strong sun and shadows. But congrats. That's quite a shot !!

As fine as the black and white is I feel it just lacks the punch of the color. It just doesn't grab you and shake you and say "Hey Look At Me You Little Platypus!" Well, you know what I mean...

I Prefer the color version, because of the striking yellow and most important; The white area around the bullet holes blends in with the rest on the B/W version but in this version you see them clearly, and therefore giving a stronger impact.

I like both. However, the b/w is pleasing with

added simplicity. I can gaze at that picture without

getting tired or bored.

I like the color version better. I agree with Doug's comment - the color version puts more emphasis on the steps. Beautiful. Cheers.

Good to see you're traveling and making good photography. I would vote for the color version.

Regards,

Thank you all so much for your comments and suggestions. Ive missed the photo.net community but my work hours are extremely long and Im lucky to shoot a roll or two a month, back home in the states I used to burn 3-4 rolls a week! I will try to reshoot this image with more direct sunlight to achieve some dramatic shadows (probably with Ilford Pan-F). My time is short here in Bosnia because I have accepted a new job in Kosovo. I plan to take a couple of weeks off between my job change and travel Europe. Thanks again. --john orr

The yellow is aesthetically pleasing and makes the bullet holes sort of incongruous, which makes the image more powerful. B&W lacks the tonal range, although it's not a weak image by any stretch.

Normally, I would vote for the B&W out of spite, but in this instance the color really grabs me. The B&W just doesn't have the puch that the color has on this one.

 

It's great to have you back John. I'm looking forward to seeing more from you.

Another vote for the colour version. Believe it or not, but the first view that I got of the (small) thumbnail didn't really show up the holes in the wall as bullet holes. I clicked on this image to get a larger view of the eye-catching composition - a spiral staircase leading up to a solitary door surrounded by lots of yellow. Fantastic work!

I like the color because it brings out the staircase more and looks more pleasing to the eye (if you can even call it that when there are bullet holes in the wall) but personally, the B&W is more powerful because it triggers feelings of depression, somberness and all those other dark heavy feelings that are associated with war. Nice work.

I find it interesting how a title can change the viewer's response to an image. In the thumbnail I was struck by the graphics created by the bright colour, contrast and pleasing lines, and the texture of the concrete. Thought the holes were just inherent. But seeing the title brings an aspect of hopefulness, aspiring to rise above the ravages of war, in the coloured version. The b&w version on the other hand conveys a more depressed or contemplative mood. Both are very effective in their own way. It would be intesting to see a shot with more shadow as I wonder if they would complicate the clarity of the staircase as it's seen here.

This is a great photo! I prefer the colour version. Eye-catching!

Yes, I prefer this colour version. I was still making up my mind on your uncropped version (and decided I liked it uncropped), then you post this. Actually, the way you have framed and monogrammed it, 'lengthens' it to very aesthetic proportions. Well done John.....as always.

I agree with Marc, except for the sun and shadow, I like it this way! Great photo!