Found it interesting how much different the images can feel based on how you process them. Here is the same image. The first one was a straight process from a while back (posted in the gallery).

And then using the toning I finally chose for this series. I like them both. I especially love looking into her beautiful blue eyes (which means I'll probably go back and do a few of these in color when I get a chance).

I like both too...... but it's hard to say why. I guess the toned one definitely works more as a fine art piece, more classic feel, but the colors in the top one are so warm, and yes, those blue eyes are stunning.

Almost forgot ... every one of the toned one actually has an underlying B&W component (it's what the toning and then the layering is applied to). I even like them, though I am in a toned frame of mine these days. Soon will get back to my love of straight B&W ... probably. :) -=>Donald

[I was going to say something about them all having a different flavor. But, as I was also going to warn Donald about spending too much time feeling his photos, I figured it could lead off into an unfortunate direction concerning licking...] Definitely all three affect the senses differently. We are fortunate here to see such an in-depth exploration; both from different camera techniques, to choices made in post processing. I'm thinking an interesting Monthly Challenge would be each artist posting a group of three to five images exploring the same subject? [Each artist would pick their own subject, ior we could pick a common theme.]

I think it's a challenge created by the possibilities of digital photography. Formerly - with B/W - in the darkroom you had possibilities of manually manipulating areas, double exposures etc. I missed the phase - if it really existed - of colour darkroom (?) but now one immediately enters into the temptation of alienation of every shot. I did it with my digital gleanings last year where the results showed tremendous variances in appeal. I've no idea what is right (usually let it to the model to choose). Why not picking up Misha's idea?...

yes yes yes the special effect is fantastik gives to it the extra edge but the color is the dog. BTW the one in black you made that is a super pin-up dtp bravo

I have collected all three,(right hand click) and need to examine for much longer to give an opinion.

Yeah Tedz. You need more time do decide which has the best feel! GUFFAW. For me the sepia is the keeper. But thats because I thought the color one is too "in you face" Has any one thought the when you do those upside down fictures thing would look better when they are right side up. What I am trying to say is I like the eyes to be facing right side up. But when they are upside down that way I flip the picture then it looks really wrong. Hmmm. I just noticed that this picture does not have that kind of effect. I'm gonna go meditate upon this. Bsteph

WOW ! I love both ! And on this shot I actually prefer the one with real color. The other one is also fantastic. I like the grass showing in the lower part and here eyes are so brilliant!!!

I LOVE B&W!!!

yes, the tones defintely do change the feel and the look. Her hair is lost in b/w and golden toning. uh...also in those two, you lose some other details. good or bad? dunno. i guess it depends. even though details are lost in the 2nd two, i still like the last 2 better. i guess i just like those tones.

Dont dress her. LOL

her eyes do captivate here in the color but luv the feel of the 2nd too... Misha! made a note of your challenge idea... i like it!! will have to bring it up next month :]