Black & White conversion

[pthortron]

Hi, I would like some feedback on this. In the original, the dog's middle area is very bright and the face has almost no detail. The large rock in the lower left is bright white in the original. Also the sky in the treeline area is almost blown out. I tried to fix these things Silver Efex using a graduated filter and control points. Am I on the right track and are there any suggestions? Thanks!

[AgingEyes]

Sounds like the original is over-exposed but not extremely so. You likely could have fixed it and left it in color and would still have those details recovered. Just guessing here without seeing the original. Also, don't know how the actual scene actually looks and so really can't tell if you're on the right track.

Mind showing us the un-fixed original?

As is, the scene is dominated by dark areas. Should it be like that? Depends, I suppose.

[Grandpaw]

My suggestion would be to adjust the highlights and shadows. I can show you how it would look if you would like to see, Jeff

[pthortron]

Thanks for the feedback. Here is the original color image. If you want to edit anything feel free! Thanks!

[Grandpaw]

The only thing I did was adjust the shadows and highlights a little, Jeff

[AgingEyes]

Looking at the original, I wonder why you said:

"the dog's middle area is very bright and the face has almost no detail. The large rock in the lower left is bright white in the original."

Unless the color shot you posted now is not the original

They don't look like serious problems to me.


My b&w take:

[pthortron]

That is the original, just re-sized for uploading. Now I think it's my monitor that's the problem because you are seeing something different than I'm seeing! :blush2:

It's a learning process. Thanks! and have a great weekend all.

Peter

[GB1]

I think the black and white is slightly stronger.

What I notice more is the general composition and lighting, which has strong points but also weak ones. I really either want the dog larger in the frame or better illuminated, reason being there are probably too many things in the photo stealing attention and leading the viewer astray. For example, that white splashy area and the multiple rocks on the incline behind him. If there were just a beam of light shining through, illuminating him ... arrggg. Can't get everything you want I guess.

I would try cropping a little off the bottom to see if that would steer more attention to him.

G

[Ptax]

I am a b/w and dog junkie, to your b/w conversion appeals to me. I agree with the bottom crop. Maybe just above the brighter rock in the lower left.

[john9]

Looks great!

[Neous]

too many nice things grabbing one's attention
I too agree to bring the focus on the dog by simply cropping from the bottom right since it already has a place to run to.

[mycr0ft]

I like the original photo with a little bit increased exposure a beautiful scenery

[baldemort]

colour for me

[phoebesue]

I really like the color of the dog in that setting, better than the b&w.