First time CC - B & W Couple shot

[MSauerbrei]

Exif data
Nikon D60
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/5.0
Focal Length 26 mm
ISO Speed 100

This is my first time asking for photo critique on this forum. There are a lot of excellent photographers that know there stuff on here (I've been lurking for awhile) and know I can learn a thing or two from everyone.

I'd greatly appreciate some input on this photo. Specifically, the b&w conversion and anything else that stands out (good or bad). I like knowing what I'm doing well and doing poorly on!

Thanks in advance everyone.

[lputman]

Being the couple is the focus of the photograph, they are too dark. It's hard to tell due to your watermark, but it looks like your blacks are too black and you've lost detail, especially their leg separation. I love the idea of the photo and the bench is awesome.

[mariselafm]

Love the tones.
I think it would have been even better if the couple had switched places, in order to see more of the lady...my eyes would easily rest in their embrace. As it is now, I feel like I am stretching my neck in order to look at them.

Not that I walk around trying to see how couple's kiss, but you know what I mean

[MrJones]

first of all, I know you want to protect your work but your watermark is really taking over the picture. a much much smaller one in the corner will still do the job and won't draw the eyes to it. right now it looks like you're branding the couple.
as for the photo, Iputman is right about their legs being too dark, there are little (if any) details there. try brightening that area selectively cause otherwise you'll blow out the bench.
another thing that bothers me is that clearly the text is what gave you the idea to begin with and still the last "s" is disappearing into the shadows. it surprises me since you could have moved them a couple of inches further and get the full text in great lightning.
overall I think you did a good job, fix those things and you'll have a great picture.

[MSauerbrei]

Thanks everyone. I agree with what everyone said. This was a tough picture to take because as it is I am standing with my heels hanging over a ledge with a lake behind me. I will play with the picture and try to see if I can fix those things though!