Thanks Sizifo.....To be honest I am really not sure what I am doing
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I am very new to processing Raw files ... I use LightRoom which I do most of my adjustments there ... I move sliders around until I see something I like .I try to keep it simple ...If there is an image I really like and want to work on I bring it into Photoshop...... I have to agree with a comment Mitch made earlier on in this thread... Dodging and Burning is one of the key factors for making a Black and White image look so expressive .. this is where I spend the most time on an image .. I like to use layer masks and adjustment layers .....I am hardly ever satisfied with my results ,but in time ..... This is usually what I do
After I do my raw adjustments I bring the photo into PS CS3
Duplicate Layer - change Blend mode to Screen- Option Click add Layer Mask icon- Choose a soft brush paint with white ..... change opacity and brush size to suit what I am doing .... When finished - Flatten Layer and repeat the above steps but this time chose the Blend mode Multiply - option click add Layer mask icon - paint with white ... Flatten image.
After that I do a curves adjustment layer .. Flatten image .. then sharpen using the unsharp mask.....After you unsharp mask to your preferred settings -(120, 1.0 ,3) --take it one more step ....... go to edit menu - Fade Unsharp Mask - change mode from Normal to Luminosity - O.K
You do this immediately after you "Unsharp Mask" .... I do this last step for color images .....
In Lightroom my favorite tools are the Recovery,Clarity,Vibrance ,and Blacks
And for some reason I always get carried away with the Lens Vignetting tool ..I like to use this to darken the edges of the photograph..
For noise removal I use NoiseWare Professional or Noise Ninja I don't even Bother with this in LightRoom..... so interesting see all the different ways people do things .I have really learned alot from all of you here at DPI , This is great site with an awesome community .... Thanks
Charley