Hi Dave, I find black and white very hard to process to my liking, I think the first is a nice
composition but is lacking a bit of contrast, it is more shades of grey, it has the potential
for a good image IMO! The second image also needs a boost, and maybe a bit of a crop,
a bit to much empty foreground maybe!
Dave I reckon Jenny has hit the nail on the head there as regards lack of contrast. I think your first shot stands the best chance of rescue with an increase in contrast. Although my mantra of ‘no light no life’ also would seem to be true for these shots.
Thanks for the comments lads, really appreciated. Fair points made and Tex is probably right, no light no life. I will have a look at the processing again as I do want to improve my black and white processing.