Untitled

This is a helluva composition, and I also think that the B&W presentation is the right one.  Having said that though, it is my humble opinion that I'd like to see you push the white- and black-points just a skosh more.  I don't know what you use to process images, but in Adobe you can use 'Curves' or 'Levels' and push both.  You'll find that it punches up the image and gives you a full range of tones; and I'd start with the raw color image, and then covert it.  Just my two cents, Michael, use it or lose it.  Cheers!  Chris

I truly appreciate the time you took to provide such thoughtful suggestions.  Actually I do use Levels in PS Elements 11 to set tonal ranges, and I did so with this image.  My aim was to give the photo a sense of peace, which is why I didn't want more dramatic tonal contrasts.  I felt that there was enough contrast between the hint of white in the clouds and the black areas of sawgrass.

My best,

michael

One more point . . . I don't create black and white images in camera.  They are the result of conversion using NIK Silver Efex Pro 2.

Many thanks again, Chris.  I love the software.