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As requested by some members in this thread, I submit the following image for a post-processing challenge.

The photo was taken by me at the Tasman Glacier in New Zealand. I used a Nikon D700 with a Sigma 12-24mm lens. WB was set to auto. The weather was overcast, cool and windy.

When I shot the original image in my mind's eye I envisaged the result would be best viewed in B&W. There was not a lot of colour in the landscape. I am a fan of Ansel Adams who is one of the most most renowned B&W landscape photographers. It is his work I was trying to emulate when I shot the image and conducted the post-processing.

The challenge, if you wish to accept it, is to post-process the original image and submit your version in this thread so we can see how you interpret the image. Your finished image can be colour or B&W, but I think in the interest of the challenge, a B&W interpretation of what you think Ansel Adams might have produced would be appropriate. If you don't know Ansel Adams' work, then submit whatever you like.

By clicking on the following link, you will be presented with three download options. This should allow everyone to have a go if you wish.
1. A .NEF file, which is the original Nikon electronic format file taken at the time.
2. A .JPG file, which has had NO PP applied expect conversion to JPG, setting of 12 in Photosphop CS.
3. A .DNG file which is the NEF converted to Photoshop negative file using Adobe DNG converter.

Obviously, only the NEF and DNG will enable you to adjust the WB.

The link for the images.
http://www.users.on.net/~skilburn/

Fine Print:
The challenge is open to ALL members of the forum. There is no real time limit. There is no prize as there will be no winner. It's about your own interpretation of the scene. The image is copyrighted to me and the copyright info is within the file. You are not permitted to use the image outside of this challenge without permission from me.

Have fun, after all, that's the whole point.

The dynamic range and the detail in the original is simply astonishing!

Here is my retake. please click on photo for a sharper version.

good fun, click for larger,
I struggled to get more contrast without losing detail (working on JPEG)

Nice shot Steve....Here's my attempt..

This is a great idea and a lot of fun. I'd like to see more images made available for members to re-interpret, as it's quite interesting to compare our visions of an image. And thanks Steve for making your image available for all of us Ansel Adams wannabees.
Here's mine:



Frank

My attempt

Here's my attempt:

(click for large version)

Actually just an excuse to try Qtpfsgui. So false HDR, curves, 2 ND-grads and overlay a negative scan for effect.

Daniel

I think the original was pretty close to spot on. I adjusted contrast and curves a little trying to get a little more definition out of the furthest mountains, and played a little with the individual colour channels to get the light right on the corners to draw the light into the image without being overbearing, though as I said, the original was that good that very little has changed.

GregB, is that a squirrel!!!! (bottom left)

robert wrote:GregB, is that a squirrel!!!! (bottom left)

Heh, I noticed that, too! Unfortunately, my own PP skills are insufficient to bring it out in that clarity

Cheers
Steffen.

Steve has had the advantage of witnessing the scene first hand and that, I would assume, would have influenced his PPing and the final posted result.
It's the sort of image that you could fiddle with all day and never be quite satisfied, however here is my attempt.

robert wrote:GregB, is that a squirrel!!!! (bottom left)

Yes Robert, I wondered whether anyone would notice (Steve did as soon as I posted it,,
he sent me a PM the other day)

It seemed like the sort of place the Crasher Squirrel would pop up