Porcessing opinions.

[desmo13]

Not the best shot, but an average one for me.

Number 1 is just with USM
Number 2 is USM + Levels
Numver 3 is USM, levels and Curve
Number 4 is USM, Level Curve and Saturation.

Feel free to try your hand. try to get a better feel/eye for post work.
last pic is the original. maybe you have a better crop?



2


3


4

[BLS439]

Here's my take:



You started with a very contrast rich photograph. Seems like the rider is a little OOF when looking at the last shot.

Here's my process:
Background
Crop
Duplicate backround
Shadow/Highlight tool - 5 shadow / 12 highlight
Levels - Adjustment Layer
Curves - Adjustment Layer - slight "S" curve
Saturation - Adjustment Layer - 13 saturation
Flatten image
Duplicate background
Magic selector tool - select rider/bike
USM - 337/0.3/1-5
Select Inverse
Gaussian Blur 3.0
flatten image
convert profile - sRGB
resize to 640 x
save as .jpg

[desmo13]

Thnx Dave, here is my hand a photo

My normal post-work



then taking some tips from you



I also reworked one of the best from the day

[desmo13]

What is the secret to magic wand, trying to click some parts of the bike, or rider, and not having it selct spots all over the pic?

[jorgemonkey]

WHen you have the magic wand tool selected, at the top of the screen make sure the box next to Contiguous is checked.

[desmo13]

yeah, i got that checked, but still, if I select a dark spot on the rider, like a camelback strap, or part of the frame, it can expand out to any shadow or dark spot on the pic

[jorgemonkey]

Ah, try changing the tolerance lower on the tool. Otherwise you might just to use a different method of selecting whatever you want to select