I prefer this version in B&W, which seems to bring out more expression than in the original. It's a great photo anyway you look at. Best of luck in the challenge.
Sandi, to me a comparison between the colored- and B&W-version is not as meaningful because each version pursues a specific objective. I see that you've transformed the original version in an excellent manner into what it is now. Perfectly suited for the B & W challenge.
Try to change what you can't accept, but accept what you can't change. Please CLICK HERE to see my journal! Feel free to save my images or to add them to your favorites.
Lu 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. ........ My Gallery
My thanks to all who leave comments for my work and to those of you who like one enough to make it a favourite. To touch just one person that way makes each image worthwhile. . . . . . . . . .. . . . "The question is not what you look at, but what you see" ~ Marcel Proust