Bonners Ferry Barn: For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent color print from the one attached. As you can see, the colors are quite muted and dull. However, as my skills have...

Photobum Loc: Auburn, Washington

For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent color print from the one attached. As you can see, the colors are quite muted and dull. However, as my skills have developed with black & white conversions, I was able to pull out what I consider a pretty nice black and white. In the process, I tried to achieve a fair share of grey scale zones. My only concern at this point is the washed out clouds. Comments are welcome, both positive and negative. The post process utilized Affinity software and Silver Effects from the Nik Collection. Ken

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photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Photobum wrote:

For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent ... (show quote)

I like the bw, it brings out the details and textures.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

I like the b&w too. The clouds look fine to me.

John from gpwmi Loc: Michigan

I like B&W too, fits the scene. I don't have the expertise to help with what you're trying to do. Maybe Linda will see your post.

LoStrunzo

Try cropping.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Photobum wrote:

For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent ... (show quote)

Ken, The Black and White is beyond excellent and outstanding.Great tonal range.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

If there is a weakness in this shot, I agree it's the clouds. I am going to go against the majority here and say I like the color shot best. It takes the most advantage of the sky.

The problem with Silver Efex is that changes effect the whole picture. I don't know Affinity, but if it has the capability I would create a layer of just the sky and darken the clouds just a little bit.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Photobum wrote:

For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent ... (show quote)

You could use an adjustment layer and mask for your sky using a red filter!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Photobum wrote:

For some time now, I've struggled to get a decent ... (show quote)

The clouds are a bit blown out. Nothing that a gradient filter and a bit of DeHaze wouldn't fix. Look at my post regarding Lightroom's Luminosity Masking panel for some other good tool tips.

Photobum Loc: Auburn, Washington

Curmudgeon wrote:

If there is a weakness in this shot, I agree it's the clouds. I am going to go against the majority here and say I like the color shot best. It takes the most advantage of the sky.

The problem with Silver Efex is that changes effect the whole picture. I don't know Affinity, but if it has the capability I would create a layer of just the sky and darken the clouds just a little bit.

Actually, just the opposite is true of Nik Silver Effects. By using control points, you can selectively adjust the size, tone, contrast, etc. in specific areas. In the black & white image, I used about a dozen control points to get the tonal separation i was looking for. Be that at it may, thank you for your input. I'll create a separate layer and see what can be done. Ken

Photobum Loc: Auburn, Washington

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The clouds are a bit blown out. Nothing that a gradient filter and a bit of DeHaze wouldn't fix. Look at my post regarding Lightroom's Luminosity Masking panel for some other good tool tips.

Thank you!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Photobum wrote:

Actually, just the opposite is true of Nik Silver Effects. By using control points, you can selectively adjust the size, tone, contrast, etc. in specific areas. In the black & white image, I used about a dozen control points to get the tonal separation i was looking for. Be that at it may, thank you for your input. I'll create a separate layer and see what can be done. Ken

Obviously I have much to learn. I'll probably be up most of the night trying to learn control points.

Photobum Loc: Auburn, Washington

Curmudgeon wrote:

Obviously I have much to learn. I'll probably be up most of the night trying to learn control points.

No worries. There's dozens of YouTube videos to check out. Some of my favorites are by Anthony Morganti. Just do a search for Nik Collection or Silver Effects Pro. Easy stuff to grasp. Enjoy!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Photobum wrote:

No worries. There's dozens of YouTube videos to check out. Some of my favorites are by Anthony Morganti. Just do a search for Nik Collection or Silver Effects Pro. Easy stuff to grasp. Enjoy!

Like I said, all night long. thanks again.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Great B&W good tonal range and contrast. I agree with the comment on the sky but over all a winner.