Dark Matter.

[joebranko]

Because this scene was dark, dark rocks and grey beach sand, and since there was no drama in the sky, I decided to try a mono composition.
I rarely use mono and as a result have no skill to apply in post. I would welcome any and all suggestions.

[Wavelength]

I think it has come out nicely...

[Manfred M]

Joe - two things strike me right away and those are the hard shadows on the rocks in the foreground, These are just begging for some dodging and a little bit of burning down. That will bring out the textures in the rocks.

The second thought is, what a great candidate for a sky replacement.

[mugge]

Dodging of the rocks will help. There is a bird in the sky that ruins the view
Cheers Ole

[joebranko]

Thanks Nandakumar. "

[joebranko]

Joe - two things strike me right away and those are the hard shadows on the rocks in the foreground, These are just begging for some dodging and a little bit of burning down. That will bring out the textures in the rocks.

The second thought is, what a great candidate for a sky replacement.

Thanks Manfred:

"shadows on the rocks." I will work on them.

"great candidate for a sky replacement."

In mono or colour?

[joebranko]

Dodging of the rocks will help. There is a bird in the sky that ruins the view
Cheers Ole

Thanks Ole. I thought about taking the bird out, then decided to leave it in. I thought it might lend something to the mood.

[Manfred M]

"great candidate for a sky replacement."

In mono or colour?

Yes...

[DanK]

Nice shot. I agree about opening up the shadows. There is interesting detail there, and it's hidden in the original. While I don't think I have ever replaced a sky, I have to agree that the blank sky detracts in this case. IMHO, there is no reason to remove the bird. I rather like it, and it provides scale.

[Geoff F]

Did you do any alterations to the colours before (or during) the mono conversion, Joe? For example, darkening the blues to help with the sky and brightening the yellows to lighten the shoreline.

And yes, in that particular case I would also leave the bird.