Oaks in IR Light

[blackcloudbrew]

Wanted to get your comments and opinions about these two shots. These are two different IR images one in color IR and the other in b&w conversion. They are almost the same composition. I like them both but I can't decide which one is better. Opinions welcome.

1. Holey Oak

IMGP3887-Edit by blackcloudbrew, on Flickr

2. Black Oak

IMGP3886-Edit by blackcloudbrew, on Flickr

[Pacerr]

I prefer the B&W but IMO it benefits from adjustment of the histogram in Levels to set the white point and balance the mid tones.

But I also confess to not being a big fan of color IR.

[Marko]

B&W for me, and composition on B&W is better because branches doesn't touch border of photo.

Marko

[tcom]

I do normally prefer the color ones even in infrared, but here, the yellow/orange cast on the color version is a bit disturbing making me prefer the B&W one.  You might give a try in remove the color cast on the tree.

[blackcloudbrew]

Interesting comments - thanks. I like the comp of #2 and Marko you are correct, I should have left some space around the tree.

Tcom - are you speaking of the color cast on the main tree or those running from the lower right corner behind the tree?

[tcom]

I speak mostly for the main tree which I guess might come out better in front of the deep blue sky without a color cast. I am however unsure how the grass and bush in the lower right corner might turn out with a corrected color balance.

[blackcloudbrew]

Ok, got it. My plan is to play with these a bit (when I can) more and see what I can get based on this input. I think the tonal contrast between the grass and trees is about right for color IR, but I'm never sure what the colors will be. I did (and do) set a custom white balance to green grass before I shot this series but I may have overcooked the PP work. I actually like the way the main tree stands out against the sky in the color image.

Thanks for your input!

[Mike Pearson]

Earl,

I much prefer the B/W version - in fact my preference in IR images is generally for B/W and I think this example reinforces that 

Anthony

[Ron Kruger]

I really can't decide. The color cast Dom mentioned did strike me odd, but I do love the rich blue in the sky and higher contrast of the color image.

[materialsguy]

Partial to the B&W image myself, just because it places more emphsis on the wonderful textures of the bark.