Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

All I have is this jpg, shot with 8 mp camera and kit lens.

I have converted to b&w, using Nik Silver Efex. In using the software's colored filters to achieve a dark sky, I end up with noticeable white outlining of the trees.

Any suggestions regarding workflow, or links to information on how to avoid, fix? You are welcome to use this image to show your results.

Thanks so much.

(Download)

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Are the filters too dark? Sometimes if you darken the sky too much, you can get halos around the objects.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Most of the issues with halos initiate with sharpening. Where in your workflow do you sharpen, if any?
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks, yes. It was definitely most pronounced when I was going for optimum drama :)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I actually haven't been using sharpening, other than the minimal preset in PS Elements' version of ACR. I never got into the "habit" of it because I either found the look I liked in other filters or I was going for soft on purpose.

I did recently try unsharp mask on a couple of images, but not this one. Where I'm seeing the problem for this conversion is with the red filter in Nik Silver Efex. I was hoping there was a way to darken the sky without having the halo look, but it's possible I'm asking too much of both the image and the software.

Thank you, Bob!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

(edit - this was a jpg straight from camera, but I'm thinking it's possible I attempted some edits that included sharpen. Pic is 2 1/2 years old, so anything is possible :) )

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Linda,
I'm not too sure about the workings of Elements. However, if you have a Convert to Black and White in Elements. If it works similar to Photoshop, there will be multiple color sliders within the conversion menu. If so, select the Blue and the Cyan sliders and move them to the left.

If that isn't possible due to the menu differences, check out this site.

http://www.macworld.com/article/2102546/how-to-create-beautiful-bandw-images-with-adobe-photoshop-elements-12.html

I know it's Mac, but the menu items should be the same, in case you use windows.
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you, I will do that!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Linda, sharpening is done by increasing the contrast between "surfaces", such as tree limbs and sky. This increase in contrast is what leads to the halo effect you are seeing.

Since you may have sharpened this image, it's difficult to suggest anything that can help, and also be easily accomplished.
--Bob

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Again, many thanks for your time and advice, Bob. I can see more clearly now :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

You're welcome, Linda.
--Bob

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Is that any better or more what you were after? If its getting there Ill explain how but is a tad complicated and requires patience.
Problem is the sharpening for sure. Could be the in camera setting to sharpen did it

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you, Billy! You didn't offer a download, so I'm not sure but it seems like sky might be noisy - or grain on purpose?

If you have time to post your solution, it would be much appreciated - though patience in pp is not one of my major strengths :)

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Oooops a senior moment! Download enabled now. Grain in the sky is a result of the process attempting to eliminate the halo. Everything in PP has a knock on effect.
Can be just about eliminated by making a mask duplicating the image the image and adding noise reduction to bottom copy and using our mask to bring back the trees.
Both eliminating halos and getting rid of the grain if desired needs full Photoshop as you delve into the Channels Palette and use Threshold adjustments which I do not think you have in Elements?
Patience wise I often spend well over two hours perfecting an image and I work quickly! This image of yours could be a 4 hour hour task.
The good PP folks who post consistently good images like conkerwood are happy to spend hours on an image they really like. I spent nearly three on my Down to Robin Hoods Bay post. Changed sky painted the sea etc etc. Not everyone wishes to o that, its personal choice.

If you have a pal with Photoshop who will let you use it and if you want to try it Ill happily outline the steps. No guarantee it will be perfect but we can get it better. But it will take you time, invite yourself for lunch

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you!