Linda From Maine wrote:
#1 is what I came up with. #2 is the raw file for you to work on. I use PS Elements, and also worked some in Topaz Studio 2 for this. I hadn't noticed until today that PSE 2022 (I purchased last month) has Adobe presets for black and white in the raw editor. I started with that, and also did some dodging + a Nik Color Efex "graduated ND lighten" filter.
Thanks for any advice, tips or your own vision for this shot.
The key here is to understand that RGB color have a grey value that can be identical to each other, which creates the 'similar tones'.
You can use ACR or adobe B&W conversion, but they fall short of the task in my opinion.
The best bet is to get the raw set correctly in color as close as possible.
Then import it into your program, add two layers, first the selective color then the B&W color. I hope PSP has the color adjustment layer (I use PS CC).
From the color adjustment layer you can pick any color and R, G, B, C, M, Y and Global luminosity.
In whatever color you select you can adjust the C, M, Y, K and luminosity for that specific color. Then and only then, adjust the B&W layer, if needed.
If you used a colored filter as I try to make folks aware of, when using raw, do not adjust the color, that is an error. Do the rest though, Optical, details (sharpness and color noise reduction), exposure and yes, dehaze too. The one should proceed as above.
(Comment: This is a great picture to add a new sky for drama)