Plus you've done an excellent job on the crops in your version. Did I overcomplicate things (again) ?

I think I prefer the composition of your flipped shot too Mike, dunno why ?

The actual process was:

Copy the layer
desaturate top layer (can use your favourite conversion method)
Increase contrast of top layer
sharpen top layer (to give a local contrast boost)
Set top layer mode to "overlay" or "luminosity"
Reduce top layer opacity to 50% or so
Merge layers

It's tricky finding a balance using a small picture & I've overdone the contrast.
I'd be tempted to add a slight vignette too, would add to the black clouds.

I prefer the colour version too but would give it a contasty punch.

[IMG]http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q105/RR76/mikewscrops.jpg[/IMG]

Bob

Probably slightly overdone again.. drat

I can see Yves going skyward for this one.

Mike, why not outdo him & book a wingwalking experience ?

It seems to have become a Manx cat in the process Martin.

Is it me or do these images (except Malo's version) have horizontal banding in the dark areas ?

As it's free I thought I'd give it a try. Installed easily when using the supplied screencast & it is easy to use. I did a quick trial & everything working it seems.
Thanks for the freebie dsfoto & I'll be sure to PM you if I uncover any bugs.

I also scanned the zip file for virus' or spyware & both yielded clean results.

Quite...

Luckily, JudithAnn has taken it in the spirit it was intended.

Is that the end of the rodent invasion Pauly ?

I actually sold my 12-24 & bought Unlockers 14mm. Didn't regret it for a minute, but then again I had the 10-17mm if I NEEDED to go wider.

It was beautifully sharp, minimum focus distance was alot closer which I found a great boon in composition & it was more resistant to flare.

Only you'll know if a fixed focal length will be an issue for you. Why not go out for the day with your Sigma fixed at 14 or 15mm & see how you get on, if you can't fight the urge to zoom rather than move then a prime may not be for you.

I find when shooting primes that you take less shots as the convenience of a zoom isn't there. The ones you do take however will have had far more thought put into the composition & angle of view.

A Freudian slip after seeing my Bald head I wonder ?