B&W conversion with texture layer added

[auntyjud]

Shooting in Raw has definite advantages. I was able to save this photo by converting to B&W. Adjusted the levels, converted blending mode of a layer copy to overlay, adjusting opacity level of that layer, and added a texture layer (I think this came from the Flickr's Group - Texture for Layers). Also, burned the edges a bit. The after photo could have used a little more contrast but kept losing detail in face when adjusting, so left alone. What do you think?

[SusanH1970]

Honestly, the before is totally blown out and the after still has a lot of blown spots. You said you shot in RAW, did you use the recovery slider to help with the blowouts?

[auntyjud]

I didn't use the recovery slider (actually didn't even think about it) but I'll go back and experiment. Thanks for the suggestion.