Fuji X-E2 – 35mm 1.4 @ f/4
You might recognize this young boy, he is the same boy that was in the triptych posted a few days ago. Â After photographing him I wasn’t leaving, he was just too much fun and I wanted to see what else might happen. Â As I stepped back to the other side of the street, a young woman rode up on a bicycle and parked it right here! I’m definitely not going anywhere now. I start making images of the bike and who comes out of the door? The boy! Â Click,click,click.Â
Once again, I’m conflicted about color or B&W. Â Unlike the last time I asked where I really did like the color better, this time I could go either way. What say you? B&W version below.
[Tweet “Boy & Bike, Cuba”]
Well first of I I like the way it’s composed, aided by your great timing. There is a lot of life in this photograph. What is the boy looking at? Thinking?
In this case I react more positively to the colour. It’s just so rich. The detail comes alive, the textures are clearer, and I feel I am there.
Thanks Stephen. I agree there is a lot of stuff going on in this simple scene.
John,
I’m a huge fan of B+W and your version here is tremendous, but the colors are so rich and deep that I prefer the color version. I think that green at the bottom of the door does it for me.
Mark
You’ll always be able to tell my gut instinct too as I’ll always post as my lead image the one I’m drawn to the most…. Thanks for your feedback Mark.
Yes. The green at the bottom of the door just grabbed me too.
I should add that often I’ll gravitate to BW. There is often more balance, and a more direct emotional hook.
But yes, it’s the colour one here.
I’m liking this one in B&W.
thanks for chiming in Lea.
Hi John,
Again I like the color. Brings out the warmth of the shot.
Seems like Color rules again Al. 🙂
I’m drawn to both… However, the color one with all the richness of the color tones is slightly more compelling. This boy adds so much to the scene… tried to imagine it without him in it and feel that it wouldn’t be nearly as compelling… right place, right time + perfect timing!
Thanks Victoria.
John,
I think it depends. Both are excellent, moving images.. As a single fine art print, I think the color version would be a fine addition to any collection. The B&W version, on the other hand, might be better served as part of a collection of images showcasing the history and classic culture of Cuba.
Just my thoughts,
John
And good thoughts John. Thanks.
Again, I have to vote for the color version. B+W looks flat to me.
Flat? Not sure I’d agree with Flat but I think I know what you mean. Thanks for stopping by Gary.
I actually like the black and white better on this one, John. The softness of the boy’s skin, the roundness of his form, the gentleness of his affect…it’s a nice contrast to the harsh details of his environment and it stands out in the b&w, I’m thinking.
As Albert said after you, B&W helps you to focus on the shapes. It strips away the distractions of color allowing you to focus on the subject. Thanks for you input.
Street photography in which people/a person is the subject should almost always be black and white. Color often distracts the viewer from the subject matter. Besides, B&W honors the street photography tradition.
Key phrase “almost always” for me Albert. I’m one who winces when someone says how something ought to be, especially due to tradition. I’m more of a follow your heart kind of guy. Now, that said, I do love B&W and tend to agree that many “street” scenes with people will be B&W for me, however, I’m not willing to plop myself into a box due to tradition. I hope that makes sense. We totally agree that B&W strips away the distractions of color.
I like the B&W and fits the subject and scene very well. I prefer the color, for the colors and also the lady and child inside of the house are lost in the B&W.
Thanks for you comment Nancy.
John, I prefer the color, I’m drawn to the lady and child in the background, which is lost in the B & W.
Hummm interesting Milbren. Always good to hear from you Mil!!
Not that you need another “yea” for the color version, but what caught my eye (& I think is a plus, though some may disagree) is the red seat almost exactly in the center of the composition. Also ignoring the color itself, I agree with the above comments of the people on the inside; it seems to be a significant “story” element lost in the B&W. Though you may have darkened them consciously to emphasize the boy & they’re another story…?
I did choose to darken it in the B&W… I guess my take away from this discussion is that I might want to re-think that. Thus, I love the feedback! Thanks Marty.
Hey, John. Great shot for all the reasons noted above! As much as I love B&W in general and this shot in particular, I have to go with the color on this one. The red in the bike seat and the green moss beneath the door are part of what both attract me and hold me in this image. Just fantastic. Way to be patient!
Thanks Radman. Always appreciate your keen eye.