First B&W conversion...

[cyber_m0nkey]

C&C, both on the conversion and the image please...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c238/cyber_m0nkey/20060114_IMG_0098-01bw_resized.jpg

[ChrisKing]

I like it on both accounts. It's a nice shot and great B&W conversion. Well done.

[adam*]

Me too, great shot, composition and conversion.

[volleybrad]

I think it's great. Good image to convert too, it looks timeless in b&w

[kpiela]

I love that shot! He looks like such a little boy... the bruises on the shins are typical! His expression is adorable and I love the simplicity of his surroundings. :)

[cyber_m0nkey]

Thanks for the comments people. I was concerned that it was a little flat, but bumping up the contrast lost some detail in both highlights and shadows.

I have another version which is a vertical 4x3 crop which isolates the subject, which works OK, but I prefer this one as it adds some 'atmosphere' to the image.

[Desertraptor]

I get the feeling like he's waiting for something. Nice shot and nice conversion

[SezzySue]

I really like that picture. NIce conversion.

[foto202]

Great shot and conversion.

[goatee]

This is a really nice shot. I understand why you thought it was a little flat - when I first looked at it, I thought that as well, but it's just the blank wall behind him. After looking at it for a little longer, I really liked it - his pose, expression, the lighting - it all makes for a fantastic shot. I also really like the fact that he's not dead centre - I think his placement works really well.

[cyber_m0nkey]

Thanks again for the comments.

I also posted the same shot on a my local photo forum and the majority of people preferred this crop of the same image (some extra PP was done - spot the differences).

Which do you prefer?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c238/cyber_m0nkey/20060114_IMG_0098-01bw_resized_v2.jpg

[SezzySue]

the bruses he had on his arms and legs???

what process did you use to convert this to BW

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I liked the first one more, but hey..that's one person.

[smittymike19]

i like the first too. this one looks more like a standard modeling picture the other one seems to say more...if taht makes any sense at all. lol

[ChrisKing]

More personality in the first version.

[cyber_m0nkey]

I agree I prefer the original, that's why I shot it that way to begin with.

I'm a total noob with PS, so the conversion process was trial and error. First total desaturation then playing with contrast and brightness + added a red filter to lighten the skin tones. In the second I did the above + I selectively lightened the face a little + contrast and then did some spot healing for the bruises (that, I must admit came out rather better then I had hoped). I'm getting some tutoring from a professional, starting this coming weekend, so hopefully the next effort will be better.

[KaplanMultimedia]

Nice work. I also prefer the 1st one.

[symes]

The first one is by far the superior shot...IMHO...

Cheers,

[JohnCollins]

First one was perfecto! Second is good, but the first looks more 'classic' to me for some reason. I don't know what the light vertical band is on the far left edge of the first one, but I'd crop that out, and only that, and leave well enough alone.

Great shot and conversion!

John