Variations on April Showers - Revised

#1
Above is the image I posted for this month's "April Showers" theme.
Contrast and tonal adjustments were finalized with the Nik software suite.

I'd appreciate your feedback on the alternative processing.

#2

I felt that a B&W conversion would let me bring out a bit more drama in the clouds. But it's hard to not use that color.

Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

#3

So, since the B&W was a layer in Photoshop, it was simple to change the blending mode to luminosity (80% transparancy), and merge it (#2) with the color (#1).

John Mumaw had suggested using luminosity blending in a recent post. I questioned why you would want to do this, instead of just using the NIK color software controls directly. Well, when you have a good B&W interpretation, it's just easy to see what the blend looks like. Also, B&W makes it easier to concentrate on the tonal adjustments, without getting distracted by the color.

So, did the clouds end up too dramatic for your tastes? It was a very dramatic scene, and I wanted to convey the sense of awe that I experienced that evening. I'll probably need to revisit this after a week or two and see if I still like the interpretation.

#1 has the most going for it for me. in #2 the land and clouds blend in together too much. in #3 the sky is a little over the top, and bordering on cartoony to me. I think I would like the arch/foreground in #1 just a tad brighter, something feels off balance to me but it's hard to put my finger on it.

The drama and color in the clouds definitely makes this worthy of the effort!

I echo Kalin's thoughts exactly. The clouds in #3 have a lot of wow factor, but maybe too much. The b&w tonal values between land and sky are too similar. There's an incredible b&w conversion in this image, you just haven't found it yet. Keep looking!!!

To begin with the cloud structure is very unusual to say the least, which prompts a response of "unreal" in a good way. #2 and #3 take those "unreal" looking clouds and changes them into a "that's got to be photoshopped " impression. Stick with #1.

I do like the effect the blend had on the ground, but I agree that the clouds are coming on too strong. I'm not sure the clouds really need any improvement over #1 at all, but I'd probably try painting in the effect with a light touch and see how it looks. Maybe just in some select areas and leaving the regions toward the edges alone?

Those clouds are incredible, but I'd go with number 1 and lighten the arch and foreground a bit, to give it some life. Great image and great timing to be there for that weather.

The clouds in this image are spectacular. I like #1 for the reasons above. #3 looks like over the top HDR. The clouds seem to have a little too much blue and red hues for my taste.

I think that the land in #3 is perfectly lit. Pair that with a slightly less cooked version of #1's sky, and I think you have a winner here.

I love #3, thats some cool looking stuff - yep, it looks like some apocalyptic movie scene! Print that and it would sell. In a minute!

#4

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. As much as I love the drama added by the luminosity blending, I agree #3 is "overcooked". I'm sure if I waited a day or two, I would have never posted it.

So I went back to #1, brightened the image, especially the foreground, and desaturated the blue in the sky by 20%..
I hope this is less jarring on you eyes.

...we're glad you did post #3, otherwise you would have not rec'd feedback - I still think its fantastic.

I like the rework of the arch & foreground in your latest version Bill, but I have to admit I miss the saturated blues in the sky. I would agree #s 2 and 3 are probably just a little over the top though, but they certainly make interesting versions for comparison so I wouldn't regret posting them. Awesome unique take on this location!

Regarding #4; fabulous image, Bill. Quite unique too. I'm with Joshua about missing the saturated blues in the sky as compared to number 1.

I think you nailed it with #4, the sky and the foreground are nicely balanced, nothing about it makes you stop and think it's overdone now, just a beautiful dramatic scene, I think the saturation is just right

The clouds in the first image I feel are perfect. Not overpowering but has a great affect on the image.

Sorry, did not see #4! That is perfect!

That sky is amazing! I like your improvements for #4 and think it is a good mix of the best parts of the other images. I also think there is an amazing b+w image in there with a few additional tweaks. I wish I had this image in my protfolio. This sunset (?) must have been incredible to witness.

#4 seems to be the best to me for the sky, rim and arch.

Love the sky in this image no matter what you did. Your #4 post is a hit!!