Mantas in B&W

So, i was trying to get the contrast down right on some photos from last week and just couldn't get the details/colours that i wanted sooo thought to myself, why not try these in black and white? Messed around with the contrast a bit and bingo, i kinda like em.

Thoughts? is it just me or does going Grayscale make the photo grainier/noisier?

You guys getting bored of mantas yet? I'm not! But i wish i could add one of those Tigers to the equation...

These are not so effective for me. They are great shots, for sure. But, I can't quite put my finger on why! Something to do with there not being enough composition and and tonal interest to make these great black and whites. I think these will be better in blue.

Alex

p.s. To readers who think I am being overly critical - I always try to judge Mike's shots harshly because they are always first class!

Ya harsh bugger! But i appreciate it. Its the tones for sure, very flat...

I do know what you mean though, tis my first attempt at b&w. I just couldn't get the colours to jump so i tried to make em black and white...I like the middle one best compositionally with all the mantas lined up.

Still don't know how you make em pop like you did with that one of the stingrays you showed the other week, think i need to go to PS school freakin computers...or perhaps a wetpixel trip with all the boys cuz not a large variety of PS schools in Yap...

You could try boosting the contrast a bit.

For me a black and white has to be visualised as a black and white. The subject must stand out from the background in tone. I think mid-tone backgrounds don't always work so well as the subject can get lost in them. A light or dark background can work better - so the subject contrasts from them.

I have been meaning to try a blue filter to help lighten blue water relative to the subject in black n whites.

Alex