Nala

[bnnrcn]

Hi Sam . I really like the color version and IMO Richard's edit improved the image. You have a beautiful dog

[IzzieK]

Now I really like the beautiful colour version, Sam...Nala is a pretty dog. Congratulations.

[Sam W]

I think that the structure slider of NIK Viveza can be used on an image like this to add definition without artifacts. This is with the NIK Viveza Structure Slider at 40%

In using the Viveza Structure Slider, I placed control points on different areas of the dog to pick up the different colors in the coat.
In this version I also added a 10% contrast increase in Photoshop CS6.
I think that this version has the gorgeous dog standing out from the background.
I have found that the structure slider works quite well on dog's coats.
What do you think?

Richard, I was only posting the color for reference and had not spent much time refining it. I agree it needed some contrast and perhaps some structure. I like the structure added to the grass in the background. But Nala's coat looks a lot more like the first color version...a much softer look. Getting that "look" was the focus of my original B&W post. Your edits add pop but the results are slightly too harsh to be fair to her. I think if you started with the RAW file your experienced touch would have resulted in better results. Also, you may be at a disadvantage not seeing her in person or is that in dog? Anyway, I do appreciate your suggestions and I think they may be help also to others.

[Sam W]

Hi Sam . I really like the color version and IMO Richard's edit improved the image. You have a beautiful dog

Thank you Binnur!

[Sam W]

Now I really like the beautiful colour version, Sam...Nala is a pretty dog. Congratulations.

Thanks Izzie!