Critique please

[Johninmula]

I would appreciate comments on this image please

Pentax K100D

Tecnique:
RAW image processed in Lightroom 1.2, converted to 16 bit TIFF
Image opened in Photoshop, minor level adjustment, then converted to B&W using Power Retouche B&W Studio plug in with the following settings
Film simulation: Kodak T400CN
Filter: Orange at 100%
Paper: Multigrade 2.1
Shadows -12
Blackpoint 9
Highlights 14
Image then sharpened using Power Retouche Sharpener at 197
Converted to 8 bit JPG and resized
Many thanks
John
Mula, Murcia, España

[Rhasval]

Nice picture. I would just light a little more in the coat and dog area using curves and a bit of bright and contrast.
Here is my try.

[madclark]

I agree with Rhasval. You lose a lot of detail in the shadows.

However, I would use some selective masking on the dog and the basket to keep that tone down where it is now.

[Alison]

I would imagine that the main attraction of the image is the little cute doggy. I highlighted him/her and added just a drop of colour to the coat.

[Rhasval]

I like your idea Alison. What about add some gradient colour to the basket just to soft the transition between B&W and colour.

[mtunstall]

Nice picture. I would lighten the shadows but leave the lighter sections of the picture as these look fine.

[Alison]

Originally Posted by Rhasval

I like your idea Alison. What about add some gradient colour to the basket just to soft the transition between B&W and colour.

Hi Rhas,

The sky's the limit really You could even colour the baskets on the bike and leave the rest B&W. I'm assuming that the little doggy was the focal point of the image, and if it was then it has to stand out a little from the rest of the image. Originally I had used curves just on the little doggy to make him/her stand out from the crowd (so to speak), then I decided to add a little bit of colour.

[Rhasval]

You are right Alison, if we keep adding colour we will end up with the original image.

[jadams007]

what about cropping. I think the wheels are distracting...or is that what you intended?

[grannysdc]

I think it is a beautiful candid with lots of potential.. Good Job!

How bout crop with a hint of a wheel and a taste of hdr

[jadams007]

that's a little better, as far a cropping