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Discussion
10 Years Ago
Here are 3 versions of a photo. I think it's a reasonably good and maybe somewhat interesting photo, but let's leave that aside. What I'd like to know is, which version do people prefer? The differences are subtle but, I think significant. This isn't a case where I've already made up my mind and am just looking for validation; I really have a hard time deciding and I'd greatly appreciate other people's opinions.
Reply Order
10 Years Ago
I prefer # 3. When I clicked on the bigger images I liked the warm color over the darker one and how it looked just a little cleaner than the one of similar color. :) Nice work.
10 Years Ago
#1 is obvious straight b&w; #2 is desaturated color; #3 has a warm tone applied progressively to the shadows (a common interpretation of "sepia").
10 Years Ago
For me its #2. It "pops" more than the other 2. The desaturated color does wonders for the contrast. It seems to have more depth.
10 Years Ago
Well nuts. :-) But seriously, I really appreciate all the opinions.
In my mind it this one should convey a gritty, industrial feeling. That might suggest straight b&w. But, it's also a sort of abstract geometric image and to my eyes, the slight toning of #3 enhances the lines and the 3-dimensionality somehow. #2 isn't that different from #3 because the lower parts of the rails are rusty, but maybe it seems a little more real and less antique-y than #3.
One thing that usually helps me decide is to just stop looking and come back to it in a few days.
10 Years Ago
It depends on what you want to emphasise....artistic process, stark industrial realism, my choice....#1......etc,etc.....
10 Years Ago
I agree, #2 isn't that different in my eye from #3 except it has a more "bleached out" appearance.
10 Years Ago
I used to get Lenswork magazine, which is all b&w photography but printed with a slightly warm tone, often described as 'chocolate'. I liked it and felt it enhanced photos without seeming gimmicky.
10 Years Ago
My vote is #3. To me it has more perceived sharpness and the tone seems to match the industrial atmosphere of the steel. But that is just me and my preference. (plus I wear glasses) :-)
10 Years Ago
If I had to pick one, I would choose #2. The others are monochrome and I am not a fan of monochrome. The subtle color variations are more appealing..
but that is only my opinion I am not an art expert ;O) [sorry Abbie I just couldn't resist ]
10 Years Ago
I like them in the order you have them - 1 the best, 2 second and 3 not so much.
See how much difference there is in personal taste? It's interesting...
I still get Lenswork magazine. I'll have to go home and look at that, Jim. I guess I never noticed it before.
10 Years Ago
I'd say it's not really a matter of confusion, there's no right answer because people perceive things differently. I do think though that if you hope to sell something you should offer only one version of it.
10 Years Ago
Kevin - it's steel, but there's also a lot of rust...
But sometimes color is just a distraction and b&w exposes the underlying reality.
10 Years Ago
Number 2 - it has that rusty hue found in railroad tracks and is much richer-looking than number 3. I clicked on each of them for the larger view and didn't care for the b/w at all! You asked! :))
10 Years Ago
My personal choice is #2. B&W is so played out, everyone is doing it, and commonly used for gallery showings if you have a B&W collection. Honestly, the market is saturated with it. Number 2 provides a crisp clarity with warm brown hues which can be used in any setting.
Interestingly, would love to see it matted/framed and marketed to dentist's office for humor. A bit of nostalgia from the old railroad track braces - could coincide it with a slimline piece.
10 Years Ago
2 and 3 look the same to me, side by side would be easier. but i would go with either of those 2, because while the black and white create a pattern, the brown looks more like rust, so you have a little more going.
---Mike Savad
10 Years Ago
Number 2... what Chuck said more "pop" Brings my eyes right to the area below the center. The other ones I feel as though I'm wandering around a bit too much.
I feel like I want to like the black and white version but I think that version would be better if the top of some/all of the rails were really gleaming and glistening.
10 Years Ago
Interesting isn't it - there is no consensus. Even though as I look at photos by people who have commented here, I see lots of skill and taste.
Here's what I think would be fun: have the 3 side by side, maybe as big prints on a wall; you get 10 seconds to look, then you have to push a button for the one you "like". No time to think or analyze. Just gut reaction. Which would win?
10 Years Ago
I don't mind seeing more than one version of the same piece on offer -- but each version must be blatantly different.
Choice is good -- but too much similarity can lead to shopper's paralysis, No good can come of that.
10 Years Ago
I like #2. It was my first quick glance choice and remained my choice even after I looked at the larger images.
10 Years Ago
Look at the top of the rails. Number 2 has more detail. Number one and 3 are overexposed there and detail is washed out. That's part of why I like 2. 1&2 need work.
I opened 3 tabs and you can really see it when you switch. But it took me 3 seconds to see it at first.
10 Years Ago
#2, more depth and detail, retains the warm hues of the rail balanced better with dark gray/black tone, so for me, more interesting and is my preference
3 is flatter and no warmth in the highlights.
1 is eh, okay.
10 Years Ago
My heart belongs to B&W, so I'm going to go with #1. I'd probably follow with #3, then #2.
10 Years Ago
Just glancing at them, I would say #3. When I opened each one up, I've switched to #2.:)
10 Years Ago
I like #2 best.
The highlights on the tops of the rails are toned down a bit more in #2 than in #3. I think that makes it much more pleasing...at least to my eye.
10 Years Ago
Yes it makes a difference if you look at a larger version. There isn't a lot going on in this photo unless you like the details.
I took it on a sunny day because I wanted the strong contrasts.
10 Years Ago
It's interesting that some of us feel like we "should" prefer the pure b&w but when we compare the larger images, it doesn't seem as interesting. I think I might be in that category.
I like b&w and often feel like it removes all the distractions from a photo and brings out what's really interesting. But in this photo, I guess that rusty color does something for me.
Now if I were trying to decide which one might sell, that's a different story. No one is likely to buy the color version - it isn't that interesting unless maybe you're a rail buff. A b&w purist who likes industrial/urban stuff might possibly want #1.