Help with a birth photo

[kahlanne]

Recently I shot my friend's birth of twins and while I got some great shots, there were ones that I struggled with. Most of the issue came when there was a bright light pointed at one spot that was different than the overall lighting. I didn't realize this and had many with lots of really badly blown spots.  I have one image in particular that I think could be great but I need help. My friend only wants black and white and I am struggling with the overall "grey-ness" of the photo after I convert it. I am not sure how to make the focus, the baby, pop more. Can you help?  I haven't sharpened at all in the edited version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Damien Symonds]

4 hours ago, kahlanne said:

My friend only wants black and white and I am struggling with the overall "grey-ness" of the photo after I convert it.

That's because you haven't taken the Levels Class yet.  It will rock your world, I promise.

[Damien Symonds]

[kahlanne]

Thanks so much. I actually did take the levels class. I need to go back and work through the steps again. I did before I converted to black and white but went crazy  with it once converted. Do you mind telling me how you convert?

[Damien Symonds]

6 hours ago, kahlanne said:

Thanks so much. I actually did take the levels class.

I have no record of that?  You've only taken the Layers & Masks Class, I think.

[kahlanne]

Well, look at that. I haven't taken the levels class only the Layers and Mask and Raw Class. Somehow I missed it. Thanks for pointing that out. Do you usually take it before Raw Class?

[Damien Symonds]

No, Photoshop editing always comes after raw processing, and so it is with the classes.

[kahlanne]

Great. Is there a waiting list for the Levels class? If not, I am going to sign up as soon as payday arrives. Thanks for the help.

[Damien Symonds]

No waiting list, no.  But I have to approve you.  Please go ahead and apply right away.