Right - here we go - my disclaimer is that the below will probably be clear as mud, so I'm happy to email an action for you to play with: EDIT - I've removed my email address in case the spammers get me!
I used CS4, so nor do I know how this will translate into the photo editing software you have at home.
Arty Farty = editing photographs is about 'guiding' the viewer into 'reading' the story or intent behind the image. I over cooked my recent
images, so I'm not the best person to be saying this at the moment.
The Story = your image is about 'direction' so we need to point this out to the viewer by emphasising 1. the upward direction of the column 2. the key part of the Christian symbol (the cross) 3. the abstract projection of 'looking up to heaven'.
How = film processing used 'dodge and burn' or 'lightening and darkening'. By outlining different parts of the image we are creating the illusion of 'sharpness'. Think lip liner on a women (or man!) to emphasis the lips or kohl on the eyes.
#1 - All the layers in order
Step 1 - press control / command J to duplicate the background layer (never edit on your master layer)
Overview by
M@ndy, on Flickr
#2 - create a levels layer
Step 2 - press the black/while circle icon and select 'levels'. Press the white mask. Then press control/command 'I' to inverse the mask (to black).
Step 2:1 press 'B' for brush and 'D' to default the colours to black and white. Make sure you have 'white' showing by pressing 'X'. With your brush, paint over the mask to select the parts you want to brighten.
Levels by
M@ndy, on Flickr
Step 2:2 go to the levels panel, move the right triangle to the left to brighten the image. Stop when you think the image looks nice.
Dodge by
M@ndy, on Flickr
#3 - create a new levels layer
Step 3 - repeat the above steps. In the levels panel choose the left hand triangle and move it to the right. This time I created false shadows on the sides of the column to create the illusion that is was taller, which in turn made it a powerful symbol.
Burn by
M@ndy, on Flickr
#4 - make the sky dramatic
Step 4 - select your master layer. Press ctl/cmd 'J' to create a new layer. Set the blend mode to 'linear burn'.
Darken-Skies by
M@ndy, on Flickr
Add a layer mask (see below). Press ctl/cmd 'I' to inverse to black and paint carefully on the sky to make the clouds believable. Look again at the image above, I pressed '4' to drop the opacity to 40% to control how dark the clouds looked.
ScreenShot009 by
M@ndy, on Flickr
Confused? You betcha!
The image is also perfect for a B&W rendition.
Sorry for bamboozling you! Mandy
P.S. see images large on flickr.