Decisions, decisions...

I am usually able to make quick and definitive decisions on whether a particular photo should be in color or black and white. It is mostly an intuitive process, based on how subjectively appealing I find each version.

Every once in a while, however, I'm unable to make up my mind, finding both options equally interesting, even if for different reasons. This happened with the photo shown above. Here's the b&w version:

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Planar 50/1.4

I like them both. A lot! Maybe I tend to like the b&w a little bit better, but then I look at the leaves and stones underwater in the color version and I'm undecided again...

The River of Forgetfulness

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8

Legend has it that the Roman legions refused to cross the river Lima, in Northern Portugal, since they believed this was the mythical Lethe, whose waters the dead drank to forget their past lives. "If we cross it, we will lose all our memories" - the soldiers said. Exasperated by this, the Roman general stepped down from his horse and crossed the river. Once on the other side, he called his soldiers by their names, one by one. Thus convinced that this was not the river of forgetfulness, the legionnaires followed the general.

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Planar 50/1.4

Can you see them?

They are pinkish and are on the main stem.

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Planar 85/1.4 + extension tube

Drink Coca-Cola

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Planar 50/1.4

The submerged village

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Distagon 25/2.8

The village of Vilarinho das Furnas was located on the slope of a valley, overseeing the Homem river, in Northern Portugal. In 1971 a hydroelectric dam was built on the valley. The population was relocated and the village got almost entirely submerged.

Some say that in times of drought, if the reservoir level is sufficiently low, the church steeple can be seen rising above water.

Brush fire

Charred remains of a brush fire, found in a recent hike.

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Planar 50/1.4

Pink flowers

Dahlias are such obviously beautiful flowers that they will look good in pretty much any photo. No matter the lighting or composition, a dahlia will always show its beauty. It is a bit like a fireworks display: it always looks somehow nice, even when we are not in the best viewing spot or the weather is a bit foggy.

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.8 + extension tube + off-camera flash

Hibiscus, on the other hand, are not so spectacular. These are more discrete and sober flowers, demanding some care and subtlety in the way one captures the image.

I think these two situations also occur with human portraits...

Pentax K10D + Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.8 + extension tube + 2 off-camera flashes