Bag Lady.

[stamper]

I don't normally attempt this type of processing because most efforts appear cheesy imo. However does this work?

[brandtb]

Really great image in many respects...especially the foot slightly in the air with the separation btw it and its shadow (that "movement" is fantastic)...and the shadow generally...and the glints of light.  I'm not sure about the isolated color...although I like the color itself. One thing I would think about is pulling up the blacks just a bit though...looks like image went through PS "threshold" adjustment... /B

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

It pushes me out of my comfort zone, since I usually prefer lots of shadow detail.
But it also forces me to work a bit harder to see what's there, and the details that are visible (highlights, shadow, bag, the feet) are so perfectly timed and provide just enough suggestion to let my imagination fill in the rest.

So I shall swallow my own impulse to ask for more open shadows. This is superb just as it is!

[RSL]

I'm with Eric, Stamper, except I'm not bashful about suggesting somewhat less blocked shadows. Normally I'd object to bringing color back into the bag with Nik's filter, but in this case it's a touch of genius.

[stamper]

I realise that the deep blacks won't suit some members but after putting it through the various Efex presets it was the "best" that I saw and was faithful to what I captured.

[RSL]

Fair enough. It's your picture, and it's your decision.

[stamper]

A version lightened in PS using the screen mode with the highlights in the sky being excluded with the Blend If mode. I am not sure if it is better???
Using Firefox I can open each of the images in a new tab and get a side by side view.

[RSL]

I think it's an improvement, Stamper, but that's just one man's opinion.

[Jeremy Roussak]

A version lightened in PS using the screen mode with the highlights in the sky being excluded with the Blend If mode. I am not sure if it is better???
Using Firefox I can open each of the images in a new tab and get a side by side view.

I prefer this one.

Safari lets me do that; or I can open them in the same window and flip backwards and forwards.

Jeremy

[RSL]

Both Lightroom and Bridge will let you do the same thing.

[William Walker]

I'm with Russ on this one.

As Russ said in his previous comment, I too am not a great fan of bringing colour back, but it works here...

[stamper]

Thanks. I hadn't tried the colour thing for a while because it is usually/possibly overdone - like all effects - and I don't intend to do it again. So no repeat of images in the critique showing colour in B&W. A one off experiment which in this instance contrasted with the clipped black - which I obviously like - treatment.

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

There is no need for a lighter version. Seeing the content of the bag or pavement serves no purpose.

Fine image, stamper.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I have gone back and forth between the two versions several times, and I agree with Slobodan. The original is more subtle, especially the color. In the lighter one, the color is two much, IMHO.

I prefer the original.

[stamper]

Thanks to ALL for their feedback.