Blue Heron images revisited

[Doug L]

Shortly after joining this great community, I submitted a colour and B&W image of a Great Blue Heron. I had thought that the image would work well for both, but it was pointed out (rightly so) that the processing (done in Elements 2)of the B&W image was lacking. I just downloaded a trial version of Lightroom. Using the colour filter sliders gave me so much more control of the image I was astounded, and I now think I like the monochrome image better. Any further suggestions for these images (especially the B&W) will be much appreciated. For instance, should I increase the contrast or darken the background trees?

[kwak]

maybe use the clarity slider just a bit (color) tiny bit of blue added...only my taste...reduce noise and why not add a very lite vignette

[kwak]

I know I'm a year late but I just registered today

[Doug L]

Hey, no problem - comments appreciated. Also, welcome to the forum! As for the heron image, I eventually decided on choosing the colour image to print on art paper, after darkening the background a bit (especially the branch on the right side).