Thanks Deb - I used the polygonal lasso on a duplicate layer, adjusted levels, played with opacity and it worked really well - at least on a larger image.
I was using a circular polariser but the difficulty was balancing the highlights and shadows - the graduated ND is a good idea but B only has so much patience! I guess another trip to the photo store is in order.
What an interesting building, Huw, and what a lovely setting for it.
A couple of things you can try to bring out detail in the clock. (I'm sure there are more.)
1. A grad nd filter might have helped here, by evening out the exposure. I try to shoot with and without and pick the one I like best later. 90% of the time, I pick the one using the grad.
2. After the fact, you can fix it in PS. One method would be to make a circular selection around the clock face, feather it, copy it to a new layer, and adjust levels. Keep it subtle, though.
0 
