Image Processing

Once you've got a color image optimized for the conversion, the fun begins. I processed the image in three ways to determine the best approach. First, I used Lightroom's LUT-based method, viewing each of the LUT presets and picking the one closest to my vision which was B&W12. Below is a screenshot of the selection process.

The LUT is selected on the 4 box icon on the right side of the Lightroom window

Scroll through and view the options and pick the best choice

This method has the advantage of allowing you to change the basic settings while viewing the black and white image. I was trying to optimize the sky for both contrast and the rays.

I also processed the image using Silver Efex Pro, producing a similar result. However, it was more tedious as I had to readjust the input file several times and reprocess it.

Finally, I used DXO Photolab 4 starting from scratch, using the raw file as the input. I was able to use Silver Efex Pro. I couldn't find a way to maintain the contrast in the sky with this method, but it may be possible to use some of the Nik Collection filters.

The best approach for me was Lightroom's LUT method. I found the key to the sky contrast was to adjust the Dehaze filter to my taste as I viewed the black and white image. The resulting image is below.

Next, I processed the brighter image, making it black and white using the same method and brightening the overall image, so the cross was very bright.

Then I loaded both images into photoshop as layers as shown below.

From Lightroom use the Edit it > Open as Layers in Photoshop Command

I used the photoshop Command to Auto Align Layers as shown below

Use the Edit > Auto-Align Layers in Photoshop to correct for any camera movement between shots

Then I selected the Cross. I used the Polygon Lasso Tool and then the quick mask to clean up the selection.

Select the Cross, then clean up the selection with the Quick Mask Tool

I arranged the layers so the brighter layer is on top. Then, I created a layer mask with the "Selection Revealed" from the "Layer Menu".

Screen Shot 2021-08-13 at 3.31.02 PM.png

I fine-tuned the final image by;

Applying a "Curves Layer" to fine-tune the exposure in the sky.
Using a "Dodge Layer" to accentuate the rays in the sky.
Cloning out unwanted power lines on a merged duplicate layer.