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A simple photograph which was enhanced with the use of gradients and

the adjustment brush in Lightroom 2.2. The original RAW file, which I

will display for comparison, was rather evenly lit. I used gradients

on each of the sides to add roundness and create depth to the

boulders. I used the adjustment brush to darken the two far boulders

on the top right to give more separation from the other boulders. I

then lighten the grass and the boulders around the grass to further

separate them. The overall effect gave dimension to the boulders

making them appear more rounded and at the same time accentuating the

grass. The final touch was some selenium toning.

Original RAW.

i like it you made a great work the result is enchanting regards

Thanks for taking the time to comment, I do appreciate it.

Excellent work, resulting in Outstanding B&W Composition, regarding all elements. VERY Well Done!!!

Thank you for your encouraging words Glenn.

This is brilliant technical work, Leo, and a brilliant composition. I'm going to have to try out some the ideas you discuss here, myself.

I have a ton of shots like your original that I can now see potential in. Great job! I like that gradient trick a lot!

Wow I am so glad that I was able to inspirer interest in images that you had dismissed as that was my intention. Sometimes in just seeing what could be enables a whole new vision. I'm glad I could help. If you have any questions, I would be more than happy to help. Thanks for commenting guys!

A classic Burkey original; and with the detailed description of the processing, a great teaching/learning tool as well. Keep up the good work, and keep delving deeper into the mine of images that you have and the techniques inside your mind. We are all the better for both actions! A big "Woo-Woo" from me! Cheers! The Bear

The branch looks like a fracture...

been foolin around have we? ;-) Actually a very good job Leo although that vignette on the left is a bit heavy for my taste.

Very nicely done -- I really like the final result (your have added a lot of depth to the photo), and I appreciate your description as well as the starting image for comparison.

Fabulous conversion and you have passed on information that is highly useful to our community here at PN. Kudos to you.

post production, very interesting method indeed. I find the left side a bit too much dark. The work on the grass is really good. thank you for sharing, Giuseppe

As always a wonderful description of your post production. You have posted so many wonderful captures from our Joshua Tree Adventure. This is one great conversion to B/W and really appreciate the fact that you included the raw file with this...Lefty

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to leave a comment. As far as the left side darkness is concerned, this becomes a matter of personal preference. I wanted the eye to drawn to the tuft of grass and felt that the edge darkness contributed to that goal.