Black and White with a hint of colour

[Jaysfan8]

I took this photo last week but the highlights on the water were blown out. I have tried to compensate by being a little creative in photoshop. I changed the image to B&W and then used the history tool to bring back some of the colour. I have tried to do this to save a dying image. What do you think, did I succeed? Have I brought back too much colour? Also, I would appreciate any other tips as how I could have saved the 'bright' photo.

[Saralonde]

I can see why you wanted to try and save this shot. You caught this duck at just the right moment.
I'm not sure if you could do more. Perhaps show us the original for comparison.

[Through the Veil]

I suggest trying to boost the color. Then when you change to black & white, don't use grayscale but rather decompose to RGB. That should get a good contrast to see the coloring better.

Great capture regardless! Good eye.

[jiminyClickit]

Jaysfan8,

Color I like, hoping to see more feather definition. If you like challenges, try moving and shrinking the background duck over so it's not a hat for your subject. Or reduce its influence by unsaturating and lightening.

Certainly any shot this unusual is worth the time you spend getting it to where you want. HDR layering could bring it from cloudy day dim to almost sunny contrast. Good base for experimenting. Would also like to see original.

[Jaysfan8]

Thanks for you comments. I am goping to spend some more time and try clear up the image. I also took this one which has slightly less blown highlights and better feather definition. This image is as taken so, would really like to hear comments about lightroom editing (if needed).

Thanks again for all your really good tips.