The Stable Hand: Opinion & composition critique requested - Colour or Black & White?

[Raj_55555]

I've never really studied about the art of B&W photography. I converted this image in LR and really felt the B&W works for this, let me know if you feel otherwise. Posting the colour version for comparison and critique. Sorry for the poor quality of the image, it was shot at ISO 800. I would also love to know how others might have composed the shot differently!

#1 Coloured:

#2 B&W

P.S. Attaching the high Res colour shot if anyone feels it can be edited differently.

 

[jenko]

There's a sort of raw realism in this image that appeals to me. I prefer the color. The B&W gets a bit too contrasty in the shadows, but that's just my taste. I think you need a tad more room around the human subject. I have a tendency to do this very same thing in horse shots--shove the human into the corners and edges. The human needs a little room too!

 

[Msteelio91]

Nice photo Raj, I like both versions. Having a hard time picking one haha

 

[Braineack]

What's with the heavy handed NR? I'd rather see digital noise than playdough human skin.

 

[MSnowy]

I like the color version best. I would also crop the image differently.

 

[robbins.photo]

I like the color version myself - in the color version his skin contrasted with that of the horse is just fantastic. I also prefer the detail his eyes have in the color version - it gives his expression more of an almost "dreamy" quality for lack of a better word. I'd agree with Msnowy on the different crop as well, it puts more focus on the eyes of both your subjects without really losing anything you need for the shot.

 

[Designer]

I prefer the color version.

 

[Raj_55555]

Okay, thanks everyone for your suggestions, and thanks Snowy for taking the time to edit. Here's the updated on with least amount of NR done as suggested by Braineack to the JPEG and cropping as per MSnowy. Is this better?

Jenco, you're right, I'll definitely keep that in mind next time. But I don't think that'll work with MSnowy's crop though.

For some reason the chest of the horse feels like a big part of the image for me, not sure why. Anyone comments on that thought are welcome.

 

[limr32 1]

For some reason the chest of the horse feels like a big part of the image for me, not sure why. Anyone comments on that thought are welcome.

For me, the horse's chest is part of the shot because it helps complete the emotional connection between the man and the horse. Here's my train of thought:
-First, I see his eyes and they clearly show happiness and affection for the horse.
-He is embracing the horse to his chest.
-The horse's eyes are also bright and seem calm.
-It looks like the horse's chest is almost straining to return the embrace.

Basically, I see two elements of connection: eyes and chest. Without the horse's chest, one of those connections is missing. With the chest, you can see that the horse is leaning into the embrace.

 

[Raj_55555]

For me, the horse's chest is part of the shot because it helps complete the emotional connection between the man and the horse. Here's my train of thought:
-First, I see his eyes and they clearly show happiness and affection for the horse.
-He is embracing the horse to his chest.
-The horse's eyes are also bright and seem calm.
-It looks like the horse's chest is almost straining to return the embrace.

Basically, I see two elements of connection: eyes and chest. Without the horse's chest, one of those connections is missing. With the chest, you can see that the horse is leaning into the embrace.

I think you just read my mind and wrote down what I was unable to express. It just feels incomplete to me without some part of the horse in the photo. Thanks Leonore,

 

[DarkShadow]

Like the color better and agree with limr. Either way, there is a Nice connection with man and horse.Nice Shot Raj.

 

[runnah]

This is a great shot. My only grip about the conversion is that you have some pure black spots. If it is an artistic vision that is one thing. In reality there aren't many cases where things are 100% black. You can always see details in dark shadows.

 

[Raj_55555]

Like the color better and agree with limr. Either way, there is a Nice connection with man and horse.Nice Shot Raj.

Thanks Buddy, I'm glad you like it

This is a great shot. My only grip about the conversion is that you have some pure black spots. If it is an artistic vision that is one thing. In reality there aren't many cases where things are 100% black. You can always see details in dark shadows.

Sure, it was an artistic vision thing! That's probably the best defense an artist can ever have
Jokes apart, thanks for the feedback I think I will go with the colour shot, that way the black spots won't be a problem as well. I really need to learn more about B&W photography before trying it out seriously.