Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/05/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>Peter wrote: >I've posted both a color and a black and white version. Which do you prefer, and why? I prefer the B&W version. I know all you shot was Supra 400 color neg. - this is one reason why Photoshop et. al. was invented. > Photographs like this are often considered black-and-white territory. One of reasons I believe that B&W works so well with "photographs like this" is the ability, thru depth of field and contrast, to really isolate your subject matter. With color, your eye is so easily distracted by the color contrast. To use your shot as an example: The left & right edges of the color version is fine, but when you try to look at the beggar, the eye is drawn away by the woman in red and the bright white shirt further right. Plus the red shelves. None of that adds anything to the message of the photograph - the beggar. In the B&W "version", things are better, your eye seeks out the middle of the photo easier, but the folks in white shirts need a little toning down. In either version, >I< would (note: That means me & me only!) crop severely and leave nothing but the beggar. But, I also would have pre-focused my 35 or 24, at 4 or 5.6 to make sure, and hit the shutter right in front of him as I dropped a few lira into his hat... All in all, it does look like you had a fun time! Jay Burleson "There is a thin line between coincidence and fate, my friend." UPDATED 5-19-01: http://www.jayburleson.com/