I can't decided which I like better. The first feel's more grey than black...does that make sense? Your second photos could be called "Ladies of the Lake"
We were there for a regatta and getting ready. This was just some people having fun in costumes. Right place, right time, and awesome fog.
I had my sports settings ready for action when the sun came up. So my shutter speed is higher than necessary. Played with exposure comp for different looks. First one looks black and white, but it’s not. Just standard picture profile and auto white balance. Going for extra spooky there. But I do like the brighter one better.
Both these shots work at different levels. The first being very errie certainly creates a scary mood more in keeping with Halloween. The second has great contrast and better separation between the paddle boarders.