[Dabhand16]

Hi Dave. Just knocked this up quick to give it a go. What do you think?

[stepheno]

Well...I'm not Dave but I like the sky but feel the bottom third lacks a bit of contrast. Take this with a pinch of salt Graham, 'cos I'm not the bees knees at mono

[Dave]

LOL. You need to ask more than just moi, as I have a very specific style of Mono conversions, that others might not like.

So what do others think of Grahams attempt ?

As for me, I would go with Stepheno re great sky, but needs a tad more contrast in foreground. I would recommend doing following :-

1) Duplicate layer (CTRL-J)
2) Apply Un Shrap Mask at around 40,25,0 .....keep last 2 as is & adjust the 40 accordingly.....your shot will now pop (just make sure you don't blow the highlights as I have ) !!
3) Play with opacity of top layer you just sharpened (top right of layer pallette) to soften effect as required.
- Note you would normally add a layer mask to mask back sky, as it's added lots of noise in this process (left in to show you )
- Also with time I would do step 2 with less than 25 pixels, to keep detail in building, as very small on photo. I haven't in this case & although more conrats you can see detail has been lost
- Above 2 points show you normally apply USM at different strengths to different parts of shots , using layers & masks to get perfect overall image.



If you want t be really adventurous, try adding duplicate layer & FILTER -> RENDER -> LIGHTING EFFECTS & choose OMNI light. PLace over area you want to highlight. When done use opacity on layer yet agin to make the effect subtle.



Now final image from me with only 5 mins to spare, so you could do it a lot better taking your time ( I have lost detail & blown highlights) . Here in addition above steps, I cropped for more impact, sharpened just the sea again, as per 1st instructions & finally added a vignetting. Now this is purely personal taste, as I like dark moody shots....... not to everyone elses taste. But at least you now have some techniques to play with & get the effect you are after nailed.

[Dabhand16]

Seems I have a long path to tread

[Dave]

Not at all ....honestly follow the few tips I mentioned above & have a play to suit your style...you'll soon be knocking em out

Once you get used to what to look out for, it only take a few tweaks in PS to turn shots in to the style you are after

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Seems I have a long path to tread

You and me both. I always thought I had a reasonably good eye but I really do find I'm doubting myself and end up binning all my PSP edits!

[Dave]

I've found after a couple of years of Photo Shopping, that there are a few key techniques that seem to work on majority of piccies, simply & effectively. Where ver possible I try to apply effects to the whole shot & then use layers masks to bring back detail from shots below.

If I had to advise someone the areas to understand quickly in PS, I would say layers & masks , without a doubt, as it gives you so much flexibilty & ability to constantly tweak shot until it's right .

[Dabhand16]

Angela - that's what I do. Keep on trying different things, and bin the results. From what I actually post, you can imagine what most of them turn out like.

When I get something that I think is reasonable I post it, then brace myself!!



However, at least here you can be confident that you won't be crucified, only helped, and that is the important thing.