topic Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W in Share Your Photos

Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:27:00 GMT

This photo was taken in White Pocket, Arizona's Vermillion Cliffs Monument which is located in backcountry requiring a 4-wheel drive to access. The area is a surreal mass of sandstone landscape. I'm not sure if the essense of the landscape is best depicted in color or B&W.

Settings: ISO 3200. Exposure 10 sec@f/3.2 and 28mm

#RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM

White Pocket_ColorWhite Pocket_B&W

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

Danny — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:29:44 GMT

The swirls and patterns in the rock formations feel like they're something out of a dream!

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:09:08 GMT

Yeah - it was a really cool place to photograph. I wasn't at my best. I want to go back. Have a blessed day. Sara

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

Jkarl — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:31:53 GMT

I like the higher contrast in the B&W photo. You have done a fantastic job capturing a fantastic view.

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:48:20 GMT

Thanks Karl. That’s good feedback

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

stevet1 — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:10:13 GMT

Sara,

As a piece of art, the B&W is much better, I think.

Steve Thomas

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:35:41 GMT

Thanks. That seems to be the consensus.

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

SignifDigits — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:46:55 GMT

Agreed - B&W - I think Ansel would have loved it 🙂

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:35:33 GMT

Wow. I like that comparison, though I’m not anywhere near his league. But The B&W seems to win the day

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

SignifDigits — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:34:18 GMT

In my opinion we shouldn't think that way, and from what I heard I don't think he would not want us to think of a "league". There are photographs, photographers and artists. Some, like Ansel (and a few others come to mind), have been (and/or are) pioneers in their area of the art form. There is nothing keeping you from making as good or even a better photo than the great Ansel Adams. Based upon what I saw at his gallery that B&W would love both the contrast and the composition. Interestingly they said that his tastes changed as he aged. Some speculate it was his eyes going bad. Sounds like a really interesting guy. I just ordered his autobiography and am looking forward to reading it.

I saw some a few his photos that I didn't really care for personally. Nobody is perfect. Have fun, create, enjoy, and maybe someone(s) will love your work. If I had taken that picture it would for sure be printed and hanging on my wall.

That said, I know I'm not in his or most folks' here "league". Thankfully I don't really care and people here are very kind. I don't care because my joy of photography isn't about how my photographs compare to others. My joy is learning more and enjoying the process and, sometimes, even the results.

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

SamanthaW — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:37:47 GMT

It's giving, Starry Night, but make it black and white and also southwestern!

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:59:19 GMT

Thanks for the insights😊

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LeeP — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 23:59:29 GMT

I like them both, but the black-and-white version is otherworldly. The color one looks "natural" and the black-and-white one looks "unnatural" in the best possible sense as if one looking at another planet. This is excellent work. Thank you for sharing.

Re: Astrophotography - Color vs B&W

LucyLou — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:05:52 GMT

Thanks Lee. B&W is definitely the winner.