Color or black and white

Sometimes during the editing process I wonder if an image is better in color or B&W. This is a prime example:

At times the idea of using B&W is because I can't seem to get the colors to look right or I was unhappy with the original lighting and B&W is a way to salvage a photo.  In this case, I think the black and white has a nice feel for the old barn.  What do you think?

What method does everyone else use with B&W editing? Do you have a specific process you use for the B&W workflow?

As a side note about this photo. I love this barn, but I am not super happy with the photo itself, The sharpness isn't what I really wanted. Mostly I think it was the lack of a tripod.

Best of the Doors

I have always been a fan of doors and the texture and age they can express. Just showing off a few that I thought were interesting.

Return to the WRM

I have a long history with the Western Railway Museum. My first visit was in the mid 1970's when my parents took my on a visit.

The Comet. Taken around 1975

The Comet taken in August 2011

My next visit was in the 1980's when my best friend and his parents took us on a day trip. I had no idea where the place was located but last year I accidentally passed it while going for a drive.

Museum ticket from 1987 and 2012

So I stopped in 2011 and took some photos and returned again today.  Below are some the shots.

This HDR capture of an old red boxcar was the last image I took today.
Clearly they are doing work to rebuild the interior and exterior.

The next 2 shots were taken of the same train 1 year apart using different lenses. Which one do you prefer?

2011 HDR 18mm Nikon kit lens version

2012 HDR 10mm Tamron wide angle version

HDR train interior

HDR image turned almost totally B&W. Not very happy with the POV.
Next time I will get the tripod lower toward seat level.

I also took a bunch of Macro shots with the Tamron 90mm Macro lens

And of course a few cool signs from inside the train that I really enjoyed

Rollei 35T Baby!

I grew up in a house full of camera equipment and a darkroom, so photography has been part of my life since before I could walk.  Yesterday I was able to get my Dad's old Rollei 35T. During my high school years this camera sat on a bookshelf in my bedroom along with a Twin Lens Reflex with is still MIA (I hope to find it one day).

My dad told me that he bought the Rollei used some time in the 70's from a camera store. At the time he believes they sold for about $150 new. Today it looks like they sell for the same price on eBay.

Looking on Flickr, the images this tiny camera can capture seem pretty great. I may go buy some film and see what happens. Assuming I can find film.

The camera is in near mint condition. Only thing missing appears to be a battery cover for the light meter, but I am sure it will work without it.

Barns of Vasco Road

Tree and Black Diamond

While hiking at Black Diamond I came across this tree with exposed roots that was pretty cool.  I don't think my pictures really do it justice, but a few of the shots came out pretty cool.

The tree is growing through some type of sandstone or rock

Updated: Images shot with my Tamron Ultra Wide Angle lens.