"Adjust both ends of the Luminosity Histogram"

[verplanken]

My problem is about this rejection:
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewreject_b.php?id=5467796
The initial motive was "too much or too little contrast" (on of my main reasons for rejections... that's why I would like to finally get the right approach of the contrast).

I appealed on this picture explaining the Luminosity Histogram can (IMHO) hardly be improved: there is a bit of white (shirt of pilot, sun reflection on canopy) and a bit of dark (left skid probably), but the answer lets me very perplex: "Adjust both ends of the Luminosity Histogram"

Here is the downloaded picture with both Luminosity Histogram window and Level adjustment window (sorry in French, but I think you recognize the windows)

(I have worked from the submitted JPG picture)

I try 2 options:
- First option:

The histogram is a bit improved, but I start entering in the B channel in the high levels. And the visual effect does not seem obvious.

- Second option:

Here the Luminosity Histogram is "improved" but due to the B channel saturation, it becomes ugly.

So, my problem is: is there another way of improving this picture I did not tried ?

In advance, I thank everyone for helping me on this subject.

Best regards,
Eric

[justtosim]

Hi Eric,

Thank you for asking for advice.
It mainly needs some more blacks (on the left end). Try holding ALT during sliding of the levers and you'll see you're only clipping in one or two channels.

Best regards,

Simon

[verplanken]

Thank you Simon,

I learn something very interesting with this ALT key.
I try to correct my image as soon as possible.
Have a nice day.
Eric