I love the composition and the conversion, but for some reason, I find the people distracting. Wonder how it would look if you cropped them out? Or maybe just lose the first lady in white that stands out so much, the other silhouettes don't seem to distract me as much.
Nice depth, b/w is good choice, the people don't add to it but it is hard to tell whether 2nd is an improvement because it is posted so small (repost at 800 longest side please)
I think I prefer the cropped version - a fine example of the photographer's skills making the image. Amazing what one can do with antiquated technology
I think it needs a crop, but not as tight as you did. I would crop the left between the 3rd and 4th heads and then clone out the white hands over the dark coat that will be on the edge. Don't get hung up on the ratios.
BTW, I am a GREAT fan of the looking down the track shots!
I like this last version of crop as well. Interestingly though it alters the context. The initial image has a social meaning, the wait. This last one has a more of a rythmic, directional context and sheds the social meaning. When all is said and done the 1st image remains more powerful.
To me the first says, "Waiting for the train." For my taste it makes a stronger statement. Also the V shape of the receding lights and open dark sky add to the composition. That dynamic element is mostly lost on the cropped versions.
