Yes I think this one works a lot better in colour. Usually these type of images look better in b&w, but I guess that this lady is so unique that the "rules" of what works or doesn't work had to be broken for her. It's quite a capture Kal.
I like the way she faces the camera and I don't think the noise here is that important, though if the image could be a little sharper it would be nice, but then you would have to have hands and arms of steal to hold that camera without shaking ;)))
(iso 3200?? Wow! my camera stops at 400...)
An astounding difference here, Kal, not only in the detail that is present, but the role of color in creating incongruity. The dress now takes on the coloration of youth, which, alas, is long past. As for the noise, it is no problem. I think the pixel-peepers among us have created a climate where noise is considered an evil, when in many cases, it is anything but. Here it has created a texture that is remindful of a painting, which is an ideal context for this subject.
A remarkable image.
As for using noise removal programs to smooth out an image, be sure you don't throw out the baby with the bath by removing the noise at the expense of critical detail. Better detail with noise than smoothness with no detail.
