Beautifully processed, Sheldon. You did a masterful job of recovering those shadows. Sony's sensors are remarkable for amount of dynamic range that can be recovered but the newer AI tools really help as well.
My one question is whether the left wall of the arch is really angled that way or if that's a trick of the lens. If it's a true vertical in real life you might want to try a tool like Lightroom's Upright tool to straighten it. I made a quick attempt with the jpg and was able to fix the angle. I did have to use content aware fill to fill in the gaps created but I thought it came put pretty well.   Posted: 10/11/2025 22:20:06

Hi Sheldon: A skillful job in post processing in recovering all of that interesting detail in the picture, there are no jet black shadows.
The original shows a water background through the window which adds some interest as to the setting.

A a really nice aesthetic 'still life' type of picture.   Posted: 10/12/2025 04:06:08

I like the photo, Sheldon! It's a still life well composed with grid in the window. Stone, iron and nature well positioned. I had the same idea like Henry - the left wall is not vertical. In my opinion this picture could also be a landscape format to show more of the flowers and the complete window. Would be interesting to see the result!   Posted: 10/12/2025 22:47:09

Hey Sheldon, the image is vey contemplative and quiet. Great job in capturing and processing the high vs. low exposure components. I often will take individual/separate exposures to later merge in LR or PS. Not always accomplished though as you have said, noise can be your enemy. This image reminds me of an interior shot I did of a church-maybe I'll work it up for next month for the group.   Posted: 10/13/2025 15:52:01

Sheldon, I love the post processing of this image. It is an amazing B&W photo with all the detail. Great texture effect as well! Thank you for sharing.   Posted: 10/15/2025 04:58:40