A Break in the Clouds

[aetnajojo]

I had a previous post of a B&W image, but was frustated because I was not successful in improving it after I received comments, because I already lost the color source file. Yesterday, I was lucky to get another shot very similar to that image, with the same set of problems:



This shot was taken around 5:00 pm from the mountain city of Antipolo. From a sunless afternoon, suddenly there was a break in the clouds and faraway sun rays lighted up a portion of Metropolitan Manila. This time it also has the same washed-out look, but now there is green foliage in the foreground. The sharp green foliage provides a nice contrast to the atmospheric haze giving a sense of depth.

Details:
Model: Sony DSC-H5
Exposure: 1/250 sec at f/4.0
ISO: 80
Focal length: 17.5mm
Flash: Did not fire

Correcting the washed out look did not work unless I resort to heavy color painting. So I tried the strategy of salvaging the image by converting to B&W.

I sharpened the image, then I converted to B&W using an adjustment layer and the B&W tool. Then on the lower part I selectively dodged highlights at 3% exposure and burned shadows also at 3% exposure.

For your C&C. In particular, please help me in improving the various tones of grey in the image.

Thanks.

[bahgheera]

Wow, I fav'ed this on flickr immediately. Impressive, to say the least. Thanks for sharing.

Laters...

[Murtasma]

Great shot I have to say that I prefer the color version better I would also crop a little of the foreground trees out but not much maybe 1/4 inch. I would also bring the shadows out slightly in the forground in the color version.

Great depth to the image and wondfer suttle colors that play off each other a great city scape.

[windrider86]

I am a huge fan of black and whote but on this one I think I prefer the color image. The very suttle colors i think really give it a wonderful feel to it

[aetnajojo]

Thank you everyone for the comments.

bahgheera: Thank you for the fav.

Murtasma & windrider86: I thought that people would consider the color version as flat or washed-out, and so felt that I needed to correct the colors. Nice to realize that there are those who consider the color subtle and good for contrast. Thank you for the insight.

[Murtasma]

I think both versions look nice I just prefer the suttle colors sometimes suttle colors are amazing actually I think I prefer suttle and muted colors more then over saturated colors but it's just a matter of personal taste.

[prince]

Its a very beautiful photo. I cant comment on the technicalities but the look is super...

Good Job!!