Black & White

Today's image is another boat shot, and another black and white.  After comparing the shot to the left with its original (in colour), I think I prefer the black and white for this one.  I think it might have something to do with the contrast.

This shot was taken at the same location as the previous one on the same day.  I like how you can also see the reflection of trees in the water, but not in the picture.  One thing I don't like, is the bridge in the middle at the top of the photo.  I had tried cropping it out, but the picture didn't look very good to me.  I also cropped something from the lower right side of the shot (have no idea what it was, but could have been part of another boat), so the dimensions of this photo aren't standard (at least I don't think they are).

In the past, when comparing black and white photos with those that were colour, I was drawn to the colour ones.  To me they had more character because it was more natural looking, more life-like.  I also like colour in general.  But, ever since becoming involved in digital photography (particularly lately) and editing, I have been drawn to the world of black and white. 

While there is no colour, these photos can be dynamic and have much more character than a coloured photo.  I haven't played around much with the b&w feature on PSE, other than changing it over and playing around with sharpness and contrast, etc., I haven't done much.  I'd like to try my hand at producing pictures with more "edge", more "graininess" in them, and I suppose at some point in the near future I will.  But, for now, I am feeling more and more drawn to the world of black & white photography.

I'm not saying b&w is all I will shoot, or that all of my photos will end up being turned into b&w, but I'm going to keep at it and try different subjects as well.  I'm sure some things will look better as a black and white photo, and others as colour.  That's one good thing about photography - there is so much you can do with experimenting and editing; the limit of subjects and creativity in photography is endless.

My question today:  Of the photos you've taken, what is your best black & white shot?  Leave a link in the comments and I'll be sure to check it out!