Washed out? Desperately Need help to save this picture!

[S_Sanyal]

Gear: Canon EOS 500D w 18-200mmlense
EXIF: Exposure 0.025 sec (1/40); Aperture f/11.0; Focal Length 18 mm; ISO Speed- 100

Ok, this happened when i was out at on-site work. Agreed, not the best time to make this picture, but there was this boat and the scene was just right except one thing...LIGHT (it was almost 11.30 am)...the sun was high and shining bright. Difference between highlights and shadows was extreme...

In any case, I was shooting in the shade exactly behind where I am standing to make this picture and so didnt get any time to change settings except DoF through aperture( was shooting manually) as the boat was JUST THERE when I turned around ! Forgot about shutter speed! So there's nothing one can do about that (anymore). I cant get back to this place for a long time, leaving today..in short, need PP advice

I worked on the RAW file to achieve what you see here, decreased exposure, increased blacks etc. in lightroom. It was absolutely grotesque as a colour image ; somehow I sincerely felt that this worked better in monochrome. The washed out area on the left somehow feels like it can be passed off as fog , before you know what I tell you

Would anyone please help with a scene like this which is unmissable, but the light is too extreme. I'm looking for any feedback that can help me save this picture as I personally love the composition. Thanks in advance

[danbaileyphoto]

I think you've got a great shot here, and although I didn't see the color version, I love it as a monochrome. And I don't think it's too washed out. I'd try starting over with your RAW file and redoing your adjustments in Lightroom. The information should be there in your image, and it may just take some practice tweaking in order to get the results you want from the shot. Just keep at it. Maybe come at it with a new approach- sometimes you start making adjustments and then go too far. I'd give it another go.

[sk66]

I would do a levels adjustment..also reduce the output levels of the black and white (10/240 or so). Also play with the grey point....

[S_Sanyal]

Thanks Daniel and sk66, I tried out another round of processing starting from scratch..

reduce the output levels of the black and white (10/240 or so). Also play with the grey point....

I did approx. 15/220, it seemed to work well; also deepened grays. This was a great idea as it brought out textures in the water and deepend the shadow of the boat.
Would you please take a look and let me know if this improves the image, Thanks.

P.S. I updated flickr, so the original post image is only visible as attachment to this reply, sorry for inconvenience.

[sk66]

Looks better to me.

[S_Sanyal]

Thanks sk66, your inputs really helped. seems i've maxed this image to the best i can under the constraints. I'm now apprehensive of disturbing the delicate balance this has achieved.