Joan Field, FPSA
July 2026 - Three Cuban Boys Relaxing
Original
About the Image(s)
I converted the color image to black and white using Camera Raw. I had recently bought the update to Nik Silver Efex Pro but can't get it to work properly which is very frustrating I can't get the Presets to show up. Anyway, I also used Canvas Size to extend the left hand side and filled it in with a combination of content aware and the clone tool, giving more space for the boy on the left.. I sharpened it and worked a bit more in Camera Raw filter, lightening the face of the middle boy That's about it.
9 comments posted
Joan, this is a delightful street image. You captured the connection between the boy on the left and the one in the middle as well as the joy of all three. We can see they play footbal and maybe taking a break. This works very well in monochrome as it make the viewer see the emotion rather than any distraction from color. It also highlights the textures of the brick and concrete. I find this image to be very poignant! My only comment is that when you lightened the boy's face in the center, you went a bit far to the left so there is a bit of a halo and the content aware fill on the left did not do a great job with the elbow of the boy. But I think those two things are very easily fixed and you have a very nice image here! Posted: 07/05/2026 20:10:50
Joan the black and white version really works for this image. It looks like you stepped into a private conversation, and they were unchanged by your presence. I agree with Mary Ann the middle boy has some halo effect to the left of his face. One thought on the Nik silver Efex Pro is to make sure your Photoshop is updated to the most current version. Posted: 07/06/2026 02:19:16
Joan, I enjoy this candid shot of the Cuban boys. Your decision to convert to monochrome is smart, because of the level of contrasting shades in the original. I agree with Mary Ann about the halo on the middle boy's face. Your choice to extend the scene on the left makes sense, but completing the boy's elbow is a challenge. I hope you can get your Nik Silver Efex Pro to work. Cindy's suggestion to update other software versions may help.
I tried some cloning, burning, and sharping to adjust the halo and elbow area. What do you think, Joan? Posted: 07/09/2026 19:55:25
I tried some cloning, burning, and sharping to adjust the halo and elbow area. What do you think, Joan? Posted: 07/09/2026 19:55:25
Joan, I like this candid shot of the boys, and it was a great decision to convert it to monochrome. I have very little experience using Silver Effects. I tried 015 - Full Dynamic (harsh) and opened up the shadows and added some structure.
I like your and Ruth's post-processing better than mine; however, I'm still curious to know what you think. Posted: 07/10/2026 00:19:14
I like your and Ruth's post-processing better than mine; however, I'm still curious to know what you think. Posted: 07/10/2026 00:19:14
Robert,
I like the texture and sharpness that you added to the photo. The roughness on the back wall and bricks in the foreground give a somewhat gritty feel to the scene. Posted: 07/10/2026 20:11:15
I like the texture and sharpness that you added to the photo. The roughness on the back wall and bricks in the foreground give a somewhat gritty feel to the scene. Posted: 07/10/2026 20:11:15
Thank you Posted: 07/10/2026 20:24:28
Hi, I think you got the maker mixed yup, but no matter. The two things you mentioned I adit I did see, but it has become very difficult for me to work well with y failing eyesight. I promised myself I would keep at it as log as possible. But it becomes wearing to have to correct things that are mistakes due to my eyes al of the time. I will try to d better ext time. Posted: 07/11/2026 18:17:45
Sorry, I missed one of the comments. No mixup. I also like the extended contrast in the walll and bricks and on the ball. I really miss my Silver Efex and am afraid my computer may not have enough RAM to get the presets I have to look that up. The two companies DXO which makes Nik now, and Topaz have switched to or never had live support. It is almost impossible to get any support. They have no poor number and no chat option and they really don't answer their emails. Posted: 07/11/2026 18:34:17
Hi Joan,
You've captured a joyful moment of the kids. The soccer ball adds the story to the image. Their facial expression highlights the nature of chilhood happiness. The conversion to B&W works well.
I'd prefer to see the child's foot on the left in full. Thanks for sharing your nice shot! Posted: 07/12/2026 19:45:20
You've captured a joyful moment of the kids. The soccer ball adds the story to the image. Their facial expression highlights the nature of chilhood happiness. The conversion to B&W works well.
I'd prefer to see the child's foot on the left in full. Thanks for sharing your nice shot! Posted: 07/12/2026 19:45:20