RAW challenge: Can you beat Silver Efex Pro

[Nuno]

here's my thing:



1 - Antique plate II: increased the grain of the Filme type to maximum. Also increased the size of vignette.
2 - Once more, Antique plate II. Now with reduced structure to -45%, contrast to +30%, and size of vignette increased.
3 - Because of loosing highlights, a Levels layer to recover highlights.

In this case I would like to crop it a little at the bottom side. (I didn't.)

[NigelD]

Adjusted exposure, recovery and clarity in ACR
Transfer to CS4 and Image/Calculations.
Shadow/highlights to recover darker midtones
New layer 50% grey in overlay mode and painted selectively
Smart sharpen in luminosity mode and stroke in White then black

[Mario Xavier]

Giving it a go:

Not trying to beat anything, just comparing what I'm learning to what you guys produce.

[Donald]

Giving it a go:...Not trying to beat anything, just comparing what I'm learning to what you guys produce.

Which is what it really is about and it's what the most important part really is. Good on you, Xavier. The evidence is good - You are learning!!

[Wirefox]

This is difficult when it is not your own image. But - from the bargain basement (UFRAW+GIMP 2.6)

Adjusted exposure in UFRAW. In GIMP;-

Desaturate using saturation slider
Levels
Curves
Add blue in Hue and Sat
Local dodging and burning
USM