Same shot done two ways.

Jon Clemens wrote in post #13703155
The second has the chalky feel achieved with pastels. With the more powerful software available, photographers are less tied to the "image captured on film using a lens" and are encroaching on the areas that were once the domain of the artists using traditional techniques.

Jon, thanks for taking the time to look and comment. I agree with your statement 100%. My inner question has always been "when is enough, enough". This could drive one crazy.

I prefer the first view. Nothing wrong with the second one, but just not my idea of traditional photography. My personal bias. I think you did a great job with the first one.

Sometimes I put a shot through Topaz simplify just to see it a different way, then go back and readjust the original shot w/o Simplify. One thing it did in your shot is make the shadow areas warmer and a bit lighter... Thanks for sharing.