BW conversion comments please

[perfectpixel]

Hi All,
please give comments/suggestions with the following image and BW conversion.
First the color version cropped to 8x10
(10D, 1/30, F5, -1.3EV, 16-35 @35mm)
http://PerfectPixel.smugmug.com/photos/17917482-L.jpg

And after an hour or so of channel mixer and pretty much random PS work:

http://PerfectPixel.smugmug.com/photos/17917480-L.jpg

Not sure if I've got it yet.
Would like to print a 13X16

[poke]

I actually like the colour version... the green is very relaxing

[ElleG83]

yeah. it is difficult to see the three people on the trail in the b&w version, they blend in with the background. i like the color better.

[rammy]

I like the first one although they both seem a little dark.

What is the -1.3EV value? Is this your exposure compensation, if so why make it darker? Where you in danger of losing highlights?

[perfectpixel]

THanks for the replies. Glad you like the color version. I had visualized a BW scence but am having trouble making it they way it *should* look

I like the first one although they both seem a little dark.

What is the -1.3EV value? Is this your exposure compensation, if so why make it darker? Where you in danger of losing highlights?

Yes -1.3EV is a delibrate step and 1/3 underexposure. not for blown highlights. As I said, I'd previsualized a dark looking shot (with detail) and light showing in some areas.
It seems I'm not there

[poke]

You may be able to achieve it by upping the contrast. It looks slightly washed out and pale atm.

I also think you might get better results by exposing it correctly to get as much detail as possible ie.. histogram as far to the right as you can without blowouts, then alter it in PS to get the effect you are looking for. I find that shooting in RAW helps when looking for different effects, as you can manually adjust the exposure after the fact.

[cjm]

I like the color one better, but it would look a wee bit better if the lighting was brought up a bit.