First the Color Version!
Not sure which version has more impact or emotion. Personally I prefer the desolation and mystery of the monochrome but there is something in the color that pulls at me too. I think if the belt were not so pink and lively I would prefer the color version but it is hard to say without actually changing it and putting my eyes on it.
Hi Bobby,
I immediately like the agreeable sienna hues across the wood grain, her hair, eyes and the rope. They speak of nature. I like such pictures. We don't think she will be hanged or has a friend who was hanged. Never mind I can see it's not real. I like the setup and the general idea. So that's my first impression.
It's possible that the image might be strengthened.
I'd have wanted a composition of her, face in contact with the rope, up close, or else seeing much more background so she can be seen from a godlike view. However, this is sole the picture to work with. Given that, I'd work on the rope to add stains and grease marks to make it look more real. She's not frightened, her body pose is not totally with any idea of regret, fear, sorrow, but rather she is just there. No problem, she's a model and we accept that! I see this picture being used as an introduction to a magazine article dealing with some decision making issue in life. Great attractive pair of eye catching motif's, the girl and the noose. It's probably fine for use as is simply by picking up that pink in the title of the article!
However, for use apart from a publication, small changes in color palette can provide more harmony. I'd consider either using the pink more or replacing it altogether. Perhaps extend the pink to her lips and smudge the rope or stencil pink letters on the wall. Or else, copy the straw color of the rope to the belt.
Asher
