RAW challenge: Can you beat Silver Efex Pro

here's my thing:

https://www.cambridgeincolour.com/fo...achmentid=9114

1 - Antique plate II: increased the grain of the Filme type to maximum. Also increased the size of vignette.
2 - Once more, Antique plate II. Now with reduced structure to -45%, contrast to +30%, and size of vignette increased.
3 - Because of loosing highlights, a Levels layer to recover highlights.

In this case I would like to crop it a little at the bottom side. (I didn't.)

Adjusted exposure, recovery and clarity in ACR
Transfer to CS4 and Image/Calculations.
Shadow/highlights to recover darker midtones
New layer 50% grey in overlay mode and painted selectively
Smart sharpen in luminosity mode and stroke in White then black

http://i53.tinypic.com/kd9yja.jpg

Giving it a go:

Not trying to beat anything, just comparing what I'm learning to what you guys produce.

http://i51.tinypic.com/264q4ya.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snapdown

Giving it a go:...Not trying to beat anything, just comparing what I'm learning to what you guys produce.

---

Which is what it really is about and it's what the most important part really is. Good on you, Xavier. The evidence is good - You are learning!!

This is difficult when it is not your own image. But - from the bargain basement (UFRAW+GIMP 2.6)

Adjusted exposure in UFRAW. In GIMP;-

Desaturate using saturation slider
Levels
Curves
Add blue in Hue and Sat
Local dodging and burning
USM

http://www.soloimages.co.uk/photos/1...1_BRAJs-XL.jpg