Canada Geese in BW

I took this shot today and liked the image itself but wasn't happy with any of the typical processing I tried. After messing around with it a bit I decided to try running it through Silver Efex Pro...I really liked the result (although If I could change anything about the shot I'd like the background goose to be as sharp as the front one). I don't often do B+W conversions on my bird/wildlife images, but in this case, I'm pleased.

If you could recover the breast of the second goose, it works well.

Just recovered it a bit and a touch of sharpening on the far goose.

Bob

Mike, the B&W works very well here and I like the image a lot. But, and I'm gonna be honest now, the edit you posted, I don't like. It's way too contrasty and harsh for my taste. The original pic is way better. It's a bit foggy and really lovely that way. Just work the few hot spots without touching anything else. Just my opinion of course. I hope you don't mind?

Levina de Ruijter wrote in post #14500489
Mike, the B&W works very well here and I like the image a lot. But, and I'm gonna be honest now, the edit you posted, I don't like. It's way too contrasty and harsh for my taste. The original pic is way better. It's a bit foggy and really lovely that way. Just work the few hot spots without touching anything else. Just my opinion of course. I hope you don't mind?

Hi Levina, nice to see you around again...the edit isn't mine, it was done by the poster above, Bobb d. I haven't gone back to the original to work on the blown highlights yet.
Glad you liked the original though, I prefer it a bit softer as well (no offense on the edit Bobb)
Mike

Okay, here's my image update. I tried to take the blown highlights down a bit on the lower neck...

bobb d - like the processing in the 2nd one posted

Thanks Rick.

Mike I really like your idea of going B&W. I find you second psot a bit too pale on my monitor but perhaps its time for me to re-calibrate.

Bob's post shows and alternative processing. I like what he's done to sharpen the rear bird.

I might like a contrast ranging halfway between your first image and Bob's post but its your image and you decide what you like best..

grendel64 wrote in post #14500686
the edit isn't mine, it was done by the poster above, Bobb d.

Oh man, I can't believe I overlooked that! Must be the sunshine we are having over here. After months of rain and cold weather it's gone to my head...

Stephen Stephen wrote in post #14502727
Mike I really like your idea of going B&W. I find you second psot a bit too pale on my monitor but perhaps its time for me to re-calibrate.

Bob's post shows and alternative processing. I like what he's done to sharpen the rear bird.

I might like a contrast ranging halfway between your first image and Bob's post but its your image and you decide what you like best..

Agree, 1/2 way would be ideal( just me)