Color vs. B&W

[Exiztence]

Hey there!
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post two pictures in this thread and if it's against regulations; mods, feel free to remove it.

I took this photo yesterday of "The passage" in The Hague, but I just can't decide if it's better in color or in B&W. I originally PP'ed it in color and after a while I started thinking this may be better/more dramatic in B&W, because of the strong lines an light in the photo.
What's your opinion about the color vs. b&w question?

Color:


B&W:


Exif:
Camera: Nikon D5000
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal Length: 35 mm (prime)
ISO Speed: 640
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

All tips about the PP are welcome as well. Is the B&W photo too dark on the bottom or too bright at the top?

Thanks

[lee kivi]

I'm for the B&W in this case. The dominant colors in the first are from the peoples clothing and that distracts my eye from the main subject, the great architecture.

[dcclark]

I love the B&W -- as lee said, it emphasizes the excellent lines and geometry in the architecture.

I'd perhaps bright up the hilights and midtones in the B&W version -- but just a little bit. You might be a bit too heavy on the shadows.

[Exiztence]

Thanks for the comments. I was afraid to blow out the roof of the building. I'll have a look if I can improve the contrast, thanks.

[DivotMaker]

Like the B&W.

I scrolled up, just enough to get the Apple sign out of view..about even with the horizontal line at the top of the arch....INMO, it really enhances the image.....

1. This seems to draw my eyes into the image more.
2. I love the way the picture takes on a more "dated" appearance...until you see the subtle iPad sign in the bottom left. I really enjoy images like that....appearance of "old days" with a subtle hint of "modern technology"

Great shot.

TFS

[BK553]

BW is better. In this case, I would try a graduated filter form the bottom with some fill light to lighten it up just a bit without blowing the top.

[SnapShotShooter]

The color one might be nicer if you use curves to lighten up the lower part of the photo a little. Then, restore the skylight with the history brush.

BTW, it looks just like the Passage in St. Petersburg on Nevsky Prospect.

[Photologyst]

I like both, but both could use some tweaking.