wildebeest dust storm B&W conversion

on my recent trip to the kalahari.... I witness a kalahari storm. high winds ,sand storm ,and a cloud burst...dramatic to say the least ... I manage to capture some wildebeest images on a salt pan .
There was lot dust and sand in the background of the images but it just didnt seem to work in colour.. afriend suggested'' high key '' not really certain on how do that so instead played round in the B@W software conversion .. silver efx. would love some feed back I know some of you use this soft ware...

I upped the brightness,structure and contrast...then used a s curve ...on the tone curve in film types..open to ideas and tips....or if any one can recommend a website that has any tutorials about B&W conversion ...

thanks Peter

Peter, I really like this alot! I use silver efex and love it. The high-key BG is great and adds drama to the image.Roman has suggested to many that a thin border helps w/ presentation of high-key for this forum as the BG is pale grey. I like the conversion ,maybe a tad darker for the FG salt -But it is lovely as presented-I also don't mind them walking away, I think it tells a story. Well done!!!

It almost looks like a sketching - you really did a nice job on this! I can't wait to get my hands on the Silver Efex software...I've been drooling over it for months now.

You might want to google "high key" or check the website "Luminous Landscapes" they have a tutorial for almost EVERYTHING on there. To me, high key simply means bust the whites - pull the image high to the right as you have done here and let some of the detail get lost in the conversion (which you have done nicely.)

The one thing to remember about b&w conversions is that you are usually (not always) but usually trying to get as many different layers of gray in an image as you can as well as a pure black and a pure white. It's the mix of the shades that can make for a very interesting composition.

Check out Vincent Versace's black & white work...it's gorgeous. He has a book on the subject, too, but I've never had the pleasure of reading it. And, of course, there's anything at all you can get your hands on by Ansel Adams.

Fantastic effect....I can feel the dust from the image. While I love it as is, I'm just curious as to how it would look if you toned it with a light copper or bronze tint......

michael's idea might warrant some exploration. i like it! the image as presented is excellent!!!! i must try this silver fx!!

Thanks very much, Denise,Julie,Michael and Harold....

you have given me much to think about will explore all your ideas...thanks also for the compliments..always welcome...

peter