Winter Morning Reborn

I think I messed up. I set the bar too high for myself last week.

Also, my photo this week has all the elements I like, but is missing that "je ne sais quoi"... and I'm stymied.

Hmmm... (I'm actually writing this before I've completed my edit, because I'm hoping this process will stimulate some creative spark in me.)....

Here's the SOOC:

And now what to do?

I like the softness... the light... the color... the contrast... I just need to enhance that all, right?

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And this is what I came up with:

To keep it simple, here's what I did:

On Elements, I created a Levels Adjustment Layer:

I made a copy of the background layer, then added a High Pass Filter, as per Ashley's instructions... with only a radius of 15 pixels this time. (I erased it from the trees and buildings at the bottom because I didn't want to emphasize that.)

Then, a Brightness/Contrast Layer... Brightness: +17, Contrast: +11.

Then, a Gradient Map Adjustment Layer... Multiply at 23%.

Then, a Photo Filter Adjustment Layer. I chose Warming Filter (80) at 47% and put the layer's opacity at Normal and 43%. I also erased the warm mask from the blue sky to keep that purity and color.

Then, to offset the warmth and enhance the blue and red tones, I added some violet tones through a second Photo Filter Adjustment Layer. This one I set at 25% density, and used Screen mode at 100% opacity. This also helped offset the darkness of the gradient map.

Then, to created a bit more drama (I guess I really am a bit of a drama queen), I added that finishing touch: Gradient Fill Layer, just like last week, with these settings: gradient black/white; Radial style; 150% size; Reverse; 90 degree Angle. (For a the complete set of instructions regarding this layer, go to my obnoxious and long edit tips and scroll down to Step 14.)

Ok, so my actual finishing touch was my watermark which I added as a layer in Elements. I used the Eyedropper Tool, clicked on the background where I wanted the watermark to go, and made the watermark that color. Then I put that layer in Color Burn at 100% opacity.

Click on the links below to see more views of the morning.

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Taken with my Canon Rebel XSi, and edited with PS Elements.