First go at B&W

Dunbrody Abbey, Nr Wexford

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I like B&W images, but these aren't working for me.

1st image:
I'd prefer to see this one in color. I think that would add character to the image, especially with the colors that are sure to be in the stones. It looks a little underexposed too. As it stands I think the sky could use a little increase in contrast maybe to make the clouds pop a bit and be more defined- the sky looks flat as it is now. Maybe some burning and dodgeing to highlight the darks and lights in the clouds.

2nd image:
Works better for me as B&W but the vegetation that's visible through the gate is unfortunate- it doens't "fit" with the feel of the building. Neither does the selective color. Reframe to bring the entry away of center a bit to the left and I'd try to photoshop out the vegetation (that's a tall task though to do it seemlessly). An alternative would be to darken the vegetation so that it's not as obvious.

I wish we had places like this here in California! There's no much potential for GREAT images here with the textures and lines of the castle. I envy you for being able to shot at a spot like this, and I'll be even more envious if you could easily go back and re-shoot.

1st one probably needs more tonal range in the brick and overall contrast.

also not a fan of b&w / color mixed images... seems like a silly parlor trick

The first one looks flat and I hate partial decolourisations.

David

Thanks for the comments, I quite like the mix of B&W, although it might be a bit last year

I'd love to go back and reshoot but it's a days drive away. Taken with a fuji bridge, while on holiday. I'll have a look again at the colour version.

And here's me wishing I was in California!!!

Aidan

Well I think as a photography trick its more like mid 1990's, however the use of it in wedding photography (at the customers request mostly) it's unfortunately hung around a lot longer than it should have.

Just shows it takes all sorts to make a world

Needs some contrast adjustments ASAP!!!

I think the first one definitely needs more contrast.

I am using a 24" Dell monitor that hasn't been calibrated, so that might be it. images look very similar on my ipad but that is also quite "bright"

Time to get one of those calibration gadgets methinks.

Aidan

no matter how well it works, everyone on this site is going to hate on selective coloring because it's the cool thing to do. If you like it, keep doing it.

This is another hobby that costs a fortune lol

Car, pushbikes, now cameras...............