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I've decided to make two attempts at post processing this image with very different results. I think each has it's own merit but am not really sure which I prefer, is the second one "too much"?

I like the second more. Even with the harsher contrast and overly sharpened background it really works for me. You end up with a pool of light in front of the busker that is beckoning the couple walking.

#2, and I agree with Brett's comments. The processing just finishes it off nicely, and takes it up a notch.

#2 for me

#2 for me also. The pool of light in front of the busker draws the focus more to him and gives the image a different dimension which seems to be missing in the first.

i'll go with the crowd and choose #2, too.

definately the second for me also, make for a much more powerful image, draws all the attention to the busker (if that is what he is)

2nd one for me too. In the first, my eye seems to be drawn to the yellow of the car number plate and the green bollard.

The more I look at them the more I lean towards the 2nd as well so have updated it in the blog.

Thanks everyone.

agree with everyone else here..No.2

No 2 for me as well. Can you explain your PP process on this one please?

Cheers

P

The original:

- A very slight S curve to enhance the contrast
- Duplicate the main layer twice (one color burn one color dodge) and selectively apply with a layer mask

New one (using the original as a base):

- Duplicate original and set as linear light, revealing everywhere but the man by layer mask
- Increased level of color burn over car and feet and added a circle to the layer mask for vignetting
- -59 saturation across everything but the man
- Another S curve
- And another S curve but only applied to the man
- -17 saturation across the whole image
- Selective color: reds (+17% black) yellows (-22% black) blues (-35% black)

All selective applications were done with a large paintbrush at 3-10% opacity and then the layer mask had a Gaussian blur of about 65 applied just to even it out.