Midwest Storm

Took this several weeks ago in Southeastern Illinois on my way home from work. Skies were dramatic but not colorful so chose to change to B&W. The new B&W treatment in CS3 is pretty sweet! Small spot in the background is an oil pump which is pretty prevalent in these parts!!

This looks great.

I'm a newbie, and I haven't managed one decent picture yet in b&w.

Since I am not proficient as much as I would like in B & W, I envy you guys. Good job on the conversion. Did you shoot it horizontal as well. For some reason I think this might look better with the expanse of the sky shot horizontally... but I do like this a lot.
JG

I really like the B+W and the rich detail in the foreground.

The 2 black areas in the sky bother me some, I would try to pull out some detail or lighten them some. I'm not sure about the almost 50/50 split and it feels a little off kilter. I like the rolling hills and depth, so maybe the even split doesn't bother me. . .though I would explore it cropped both ways. I really like the building / farm equipment? in the background. It's a nice surprise for your eye to be drawn to.

Jack, the new CS3 slider conversion just for B&W is great. It was one of the features that drew me to spend the $$ on it coming from PSE4. I do have some horizontal comps which I haven't really processed yet as I was trying to make the wheat the primary subject.

Rob, I see what you are saying with the two dark spots. Thanks for the comments/ suggestions.

Looks like I may need to spend the $ too after the move.
JG

I like the image, but I agree with Rob that the two black sections in the sky are a bit overpowering. The oil pump is a nice touch. All in all, a strong photograph Mitch.