Contest Photos

[Blake Bogs]

Well, It's been a while since i've been on the forum. I've been taking a break from the forums and instead focusing on school and other responsibilities. I could use y'all's help. I'm entering a contest in a couple of weeks and want an opinion on the following photos.
Should I submit B&W Option A or B? Should Option B stay Color?
Second, which Color photo do you like best? Do you like Option A, B, or C?
Finally, Does the Magma Arizona #7 look too photo-shopped?
Thanks again!
Enjoy,
Blake Bogs
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124392320@N03/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtprec ... czdLnuiGVQ
www.cwrr.org

[Jason Rose]

I vote for B&W B and Color B. Framing on Color B is the best.

Looks like maybe some PS work on the lower left of the MAR shot, but not sure.

[Rich Murray]

I like the same two as Jason. The B&W option “B” however needs some post processing work in my opinion. It’s dark and the contrast is flat. The shadows lost their detail in the conversion and the high lights are muddy..

[Blake Bogs]

Thank you Jason and Rich. Looks like I will be redoing B&W #2 and putting B&W #2 and Color #2 in the contest.
Jason, you hit it right on the nail. However, the rail was not photo-shopped. The sky was. There was a building in the way. Plus the conductor was holding on to the back of Magma. Hope the photo-shopping isn't too obvious.
Enjoy,
Blake

[Jason Rose]

If you clean up the left edge of the photo (in the sky), I doubt anyone will know..

[Blake Bogs]

Which one is better?
Enjoy,
Blake

[Larry Sullivan]

Which one is better?
Enjoy,
Blake

The bottom shot seems a little sharper to me.

[Blake Bogs]

Just an update, I entered the very bottom shot and the Color #2 in the contest yesterday. I won first place place with the B&W photo and did not place with the Color #2 shot. Thanks again for everyone's help.
Enjoy,
Blake

[Jason Rose]

Congrats.

[Rich Murray]

Well done!!

[Blake Bogs]

Thanks Guys. I wouldn't have known what photos to enter if it wasn't for y'all.
Enjoy,
Blake