B&W mountain view and clouds

[vlmitchell1]

Tried to save a ho-hum picture of mountains taken at a terrible time (close to mid-day). I really liked the clouds, but not sure if it works. I LOVE black and white images but am not very good with my conversions. Any tips/suggestions are appreciated. I'll try to critique it myself below (I never critique anyone because I am so new, a definite amateur, and still overwhelmed and intimidated by the talent on this site)
I edit with Photoshop Elements.



[B]1. Is it in focus? I think so. I liked the wispiness of the clouds against the solidness of the rock wall and the mountain range
2. What is the subject? I'm not sure. My focus is on the clouds, but should the mountains be the focus?
3. How is the composition? again, I'm not sure. does the wall lead the eye away from the important parts of the picture / out of the frame? Is it useless in the picture as a foreground item. I did try to keep the horizon away from the middle
4. Does it have impact? I would like it if the clouds were more striking
5. How is the lighting? Taken at a terrible time of day. In color it was just too hazy over the mountains, and I think it works better and has more contrast in black and white
6. Offer a solution to the problem if you can. I don't know. I'm lost with b&w conversions. My images are looking flat. I definitely need advice

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/13.0
Focal Length: 17 mm
Exposure: -0.25
ISO Speed: 800
Exposure Bias: +1/3 EV

[tvoelcker]

You certainly captured some unique clouds.
The peaks of the mountains do seem a bit out of focus but not enough to make it a huge distraction.
Although you state the clouds are your main subject I think you did well with keeping the mountains just below the center line of the frame. The mountains give the viewer a hint as to where it was taken.
Without it, who would know if you was looking out across the sea, empty field, desert etc.

The main problem I'm seeing is th epath to the right. It leads the eyes straight out of the frame.

Sorry I wasn't able to answer all your questions but I guess it is a start.

[vlmitchell1]

Originally Posted by tvoelcker

You certainly captured some unique clouds.
The peaks of the mountains do seem a bit out of focus but not enough to make it a huge distraction.
Although you state the clouds are your main subject I think you did well with keeping the mountains just below the center line of the frame. The mountains give the viewer a hint as to where it was taken.
Without it, who would know if you was looking out across the sea, empty field, desert etc.

The main problem I'm seeing is th epath to the right. It leads the eyes straight out of the frame..

thank you, that is helpful. I think I'm going to crop it out. Deep down I knew something was wrong, but just not able o put my finger on it.

[brasil0069]

The Clouds for me is what this is all about and its the B&W that make it that way. Amazing sky.

Mike

[windrider86]

By removing the photo from Flickr or changing the viewing settings it also removes the image from here!

[vlmitchell1]

Originally Posted by windrider86

By removing the photo from Flickr or changing the viewing settings it also removes the image from here!

OOops! Thanks for reminding me. I'll make the correction as soon as I get to my home computer and can access flickr.

[vlmitchell1]

here is the cropped version