Colour or Monochrome?

In a recent competition, I entered the monochrome version of this shot. The judge questioned why it had been entered as monochrome rather than colour. Personally I prefer the monochrome image, the colour one looks too much like what it is, ie a man dressed up. The monochrome one looks more menacing. What do you think? Colour or Black and White?

Hi Colin,

I agree with you, the mono version is better imho. The colour version is okay, but the mono version, for me at least, has much more drama to it.

Cheers,
Shaun

I think the same as you both! I think the Black and White has more drama.

I prefer the black and white version, but I think by what the judge said he was imagening a more vivid coloured original.

Hi Richard

Yes, that's exactly what he said. I wasn't being critical of him - actually I thought he was quite good, even though my pictures didn't do very well . I was just curious as to what people thought really because black and white is quite new to me. I was always a bit sniffy about it. Why use monochrome when you could have full technicolour! It's only when I have started experimenting with it myself and looking at some of the stunning black and white images produced by club members, that I have realised its potential.

Colin

Stick with the mono but could you make it more dramatic and menacing? Try duplicating the layer and using 'multiply' blending mode at different opacities.