A interesting exercise is taking a look at images that are reversed. Same basic subject one on white one on black. One color, one Black and White. You can find many unique ways of looking at subjects by isolating the color and the background.

I think you agree that these images both make a different statement about a railroad stake.

FYI, the BW stake was supported using a rectangular piece of wood with a “V” slot cut into it.  It is about five inches above black velvet. Two SB 900’s were used along with a mirror to light the subject. The exact same lighting was used on the color stake. We have changed the lighting ratios and placed it on a piece of P25 matte white plexi.