B/W conversion help please

[meganrose]

How does this look? Any suggestions on how to make it better?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2554/4059103074_567275618d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/4059103080_14166ed0f0.jpg

[seed808]

Keep the color...

[rooeey]

IMO try a boosting the contrast a bit....
What software are you using ?

[AlphaChicken]

contrast looks fine// the problem looks like the fact that the leaves become muddy when color is taken away.

[ameerat42]

I think there's too much contrast: tdetails washed out of baby's white top; can't see much detail in the darks. I did the top image.
When I did a straight "desaturation" using CS2 the details in the tones of the colour picture mostly remained. I then did as you can see to get some detail in the darks while not losing any in burnt-out highlights. But it all depends on what you want to achieve. Am...

[golmuso]

Personally, IMO, i would get the Burn tool out and get it on say 7%(on airbrush) and go over the leaves (if you have photoshop). this would bring out the detail in the leaves and some more darkness, and use it slightly around the edges creating a dark/light effect. Obviously your taste differs to how you want it ( darks darker and the lights lighter, creating more contrast, or keep everything in the middle of the light/darkness spectrum).
Have a little play with the curves, increase a little light and lower the dark etc, and see if you can add some 3D to the picture and really make the subject stand out (really nice photo BTW:) )
Most of this stuff would mainly apply for photoshop (burn tool).
Little tweaks here and there help...i'd say experiment with a 2nd copy and just test it out...you can only exit and not save after all and no harm done;)
Hope this helps a little (p.s if you don't have photoshop, get the trial and try it out...it's great for the BnW)

[Damian75]

just took a quick shot at it

[Flo]

Ditto on keeping the color.sometimes its better,