Pond Leaves

So here's another one for you to ponder - b&w or colour? I honestly can't decide so I'd appreciate your thoughts about this photograph.

I've been busy scanning negatives over the holiday season and I'm up to 4400. What surprises me is how often I remember the thought process that went into many images. In this case, I went out to the pond on my parents' farm after supper. I spent some time nosing around, looking for natural designs to photograph. As the light was starting to fail, I pushed through the brush at the south end of the pond and came across this scene on the glass-still water. What caught my eye was the white feather which contrasted brightly with the leaves in both shape and colour. I was able to take just one photo before the light failed and you're looking at it.

This photograph works for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the contrast between the feather and the leaves is what draws the viewer's eye into the frame. The last evening sun just caught the feather enough to brighten it against the subdued tones of the leaves. Secondly, I love the textures at work in this photo. The leaves, the water, and, of course, the feather. Thirdly, the deep, subdued greens against the almost black water bring a richness to the photo and serve to enhance the contrast with the feather. The contrast works in both colour and b&w and I'm interested to learn which one you choose.

Nikon FE2 w. Tamron 70-210 f/3.5-4.5; Kodachrome 64