Which do you prefer? Monochrome or color

[kkr_images]

I have processed this image as a traditional color photo and also as a high key black and white. I would be interested to hear which treatment you prefer and why. Thanks for your comments. Kathy

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[Patrick M]

I prefer colour here as it puts the lion in context as it were. The b&w loses the back drop, which I don’t care for.

 

[kkr_images]

I prefer colour here as it puts the lion in context as it were. The b&w loses the back drop, which I don’t care for.

Thanks for weighing in Patrick. The early morning light was really beautiful and brought out the colors of both the lion and the grass. But, I tried the B&W to emphasize the lion who is so fully focused while on the prowl. Kathy

 

[bleirer]

It might be good as a straight monochrome because the tones in the coat could be drawn out. The high key, which I'd call more high contrast than high key, does not work for me personally.

 

[Palouse]

I much prefer the color version, since it better captures the lion in the context of its habitat. In the monochrome version, the lion and the foreground merge to some extent.

 

[kkr_images]

It might be good as a straight monochrome because the tones in the coat could be drawn out. The high key, which I'd call more high contrast than high key, does not work for me personally.

Thank you for the comments on the monochrome treatment, Bill. I did try a more traditional monochrome but wanted to play with a bit different look to increase the drama. Good to know that this does not work for everyone. Kathy

 

[kkr_images]

I much prefer the color version, since it better captures the lion in the context of its habitat. In the monochrome version, the lion and the foreground merge to some extent.

Thank you for your observations. Much to consider. Kathy

 

[BarkingBeans Coffee]

I actually like the B&W more. The color is just a lion in the grass whereas the B&W looks like he's emerging with a purpose.

For both of them - I suggest you mask the eyes and increase the midtones to make them pop, especially if you go with B&W.

 

[StarTracker50]

Like the color. Don't like losing the background on the hi-key. See if you can keep the background?

 

[Woodyg3]

Color for me. The black and white is interesting, but the color gives me a better connection to the animal and his environment, if that makes sense.

 

[David Berry]

Colour, but cropped top and bottom:

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[BarkingBeans Coffee]

Colour, but cropped top and bottom:

View attachment 78750

In looking at your crop I modify my remark on the eyes and make it “left eye”

 

[jeffnles1]

I really think it depends on what story you're telling with the image. The color gives me a sense of time and place. There is enough of the grassland environment to give me (the viewer) a sense of where this beautiful creature lives..

The black and white is more dramatic and makes him look more menacing. I think what barking beans said above, he looks like he is stepping out with purpose.

If I were forced to pick, I would pick the color. Mainly because I've never seen a lion in the wild and the photo makes me feel like I just saw one out there in the bush.

Jeff

 

[David Berry]

I really think it depends on what story you're telling with the image.

Story?

If I had been the photographer, the story would be something like this:

• That lion's far too close (rather, I'm too close)!
• It's ok: the lion's going to walk right past.
• Oh, no: it's looking straight at me!

Yes, this outstanding photo conveys a 'story' and the vegetation provides the 'environment'.

Prefer the B&W or prefer the colour: either way, the image is essentially monochrome and, because of this, my vote is for the colour which proclaims 'Camouflage!'… and the lion's bearing proclaims 'I don't need camouflage; not now!'

Such insouciance: power and confidence without a hint of swagger! For me, that's the story; and it's conveyed wonderfully in your image, Kathy.

… David

 

[Butlerkid]

I prefer the B&W...... The color looks like many other lion images. The B&W takes the image to another level....predator on the hunt.....no pretty colorful kitty cat.....Just it and you....the prey. At least that is my humble opinion.

 

[Charles Loy]

I notice in the color the eyes look better. But I prefer the B-W image, and I'd edit the B-W to include the color eyes (may - may not work but worth a go).

 

[jhallettbc]

I prefer the B+W. The lion definitely stands out more and the colour one is too mono toned for me.

 

[Tom]

I have processed this image as a traditional color photo and also as a high key black and white. I would be interested to hear which treatment you prefer and why. Thanks for your comments. Kathy


View attachment 78739View attachment 78740

One vote for color.

 

[Winston Churchill (Sir)]

I think it depends on your vision for the photograph. What we think doesn't make it true to your vision. That to me is more important

 

[Woodyg3]

I think it depends on your vision for the photograph. What we think doesn't make it true to your vision. That to me is more important

Agreed wholeheartedly. Additionally, looking at the photos a second time, I feel like they are two different pictures that I would consider equally wonderful.

 

[Calson]

Monochrome works well with images that have a strong graphic aspect to the subject. This is evident with David Yarrow's B&W images of elephants. With your shot of the lion the B&W eliminates the background and the subject's environment and might as well have been taken at a zoo.

 

[kkr_images]

I actually like the B&W more. The color is just a lion in the grass whereas the B&W looks like he's emerging with a purpose.

For both of them - I suggest you mask the eyes and increase the midtones to make them pop, especially if you go with B&W.

Thank you for the suggestion on the masking. I have made some adjustments already for the images I posted but will experiment with a few more.

 

[kkr_images]

Like the color. Don't like losing the background on the hi-key. See if you can keep the background?

I have other versions of B&W with the background but they just appeared an uninteresting gray. Hence my decision to try the "high key" approach.

 

[kkr_images]

Colour, but cropped top and bottom:

View attachment 78750

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the crop. When possible I try to stick with the conventional proportions but yours is an interesting suggestion.

 

[kkr_images]

Agreed wholeheartedly. Additionally, looking at the photos a second time, I feel like they are two different pictures that I would consider equally wonderful.

Thanks for this interesting observation and nice compliment.