Best "How to" remove noise in this photo

[rui fernandes]

After posting my photo to the March Contest, it make sense to start a thread here.
Here's a version before the final crop that I submitted to the contest:


Altough I like the expression that noise can give, this might be a personal option. So, not knowing what to do with noise removal software, I have to place this question: how do you to remove noise from this photo, or what's the best way to do it?

Here's a version before apllying high pass filter, so that you can compare both sharpness and noise that this filter can add:


And here's the full size jpeg, before resizing:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/333 ... c206_o.jpg

 

[thelps]

I prefer #1 the top one. Its just a bit more contrasty and has more definition. I perhaps just like this for this type of image.

 

[Orol]

I like more the #2 as the first image is oversharpened what caused it also is noiser. Some sharpening might improve the second shot but not that strong like in the #1 case.
Orol

 

[kshapero]

I use Noise Ninja all the time. Works really great. :roll: