It’s time again for the One Photo Focus Photo Challenge.  One Photo Focus is a photography challenge hosted by Stacy over at Visual Venturing. The participants in this challenge edit the same image and share it on the One Photo Focus Forum. You can get more information and join the One Photo Focus monthly challenge over at Stacy Fisher’s Visual Venturing.  Thanks to Nancy Merrill for this month’s original photo.

My Version 1

First, I cropped the photo to remove most of the trees and some stairs in order to place emphasis on the Theatre Sign.  Next, I used filters from FX Photo Studio to get the effect I wanted.  I used the Lindale Cross Processed filter to lighten the scene and then the B & W Magazine filter to change the photo to monotone.  This is the photo I submitted for the March One Photo Focus.

My Version 2

Version 1 achieved the effect I wanted; but I decided to try for something more dramatic also.  For version 2, I once again cropped the photo to emphasis the sign; but I cropped out a little more of the stairs and trees than in version 1.  Then, I used Aurora HDR Pro and FX Photo Studio to add more color to the sign and flatten the color of the trees. 

I think — I like the cropped effect of version 2 best; but the monotone effect of version 1.

Which one do you like best?  Don’t forget to check out all the other versions at the One Photo Focus Forum.

Original Photo

Here’s the original photo by Nancy Merrill.  Thanks to Nancy for lending us your photo.