(The second novel in Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" trilogy)

Mmm, knives are beginning to feature in my Challenges on a frighteningly regular basis! But only because their shape and form lend themselves so beautifully to macro photography. I bought the 'Dark Materials' trilogy a few years ago for the kids, but ended up reading it myself - I like Pullman's style and the purpose behind the books; although primarily aimed at the young adult or teenage audience, they are certainly popular with adults as well.

This really was simple, it's almost 'as is' - I didn't have time to cook anything while I was doing this...five mins tops! Into ACR, slight decrease in Clarity to smooth out the contrasts...into CS3, B&W conversion via the default preset, a quick Dodge and Burn over the highlights and shadows and resized for the web...and that was it!

Thursday 21st's minimally-cutting-and-paring entry to the Challenge; click here for other monochromed Pbasers in January