Prequel to a wet dog--B&W version

Thanks to Emmanuel for suggesting I try this in B&W! This is a converted

version of the color image I posted several days ago, and I'd really

appreciate feedback on the B&W rendering, and on which version you

prefer (the original is in "New uploads" in my portfolio). Many thanks!

Stating my preference - a contest between the original color version and this one - is extraordinarily difficult.  Although I sometimes like a tough challenge, this is a paradigm case.  I shall have to gaze at both images some more before committing myself.

 

(12 minutes later)  There are two reasons why I prefer the monochrome.  Since the brown areas in the dog's coat are quite dark, it is possible to see them as black.  Secondly, to me, the monochrome is more effective in displaying the details in the water sparkles in the lower left and upper right.

 

There you have it.

 

 

Yes the BW version comes across with more details and easier to look at, details are sharper as Michael stated. Take good care.

Very nice capture Leslie, the water spashes shown very well with backlighting. TFS!

 

I prefer the black and white as it gives it more of a timeless quality and it seems the water beads and reflections are more pronounced.  Sam

Cheers

 

PDE

Hi Les..great action capture of this beautiful animal. I personally prefer the b/w...the brown part of his body towards his back is way clearer in the monochrome. well done. Regards, Lawrence

I've seen the two versions, and I definitely prefer this one.  The black and white looks more contrasted and the backlight causes the splashes of water to shine against the dark background

Well I think we already have a winner ... The black and white.

Kind Regards,

Rosario.

 

The use of the b/w reinforces the beauty of the reflections and the water movement. If you add the suitable speed of the throttler and opens diaphragm to get out of focus the rest, a very good photo is had. Congratulation. Regards Leslie.

Many, many thanks to all of you! Your comments help me tremendously, and the explanations for your preferences are really, really useful. I also prefer the b&w. I'd originally rendered it in color because I'd been afraid that losing the warm tones would change the feel of the image, and I think it did; but I think that change was amply out-weighed by the benefit of being able to be more aggressive (or enthusiastic) with the contrast, clarity, and sharpening. In making the conversion I particularly concentrated on trying to bring out the details in the splash and the specular highlight starbursts, and I am really happy that the result came across--thanks for the feedback!