New to HDR...

[exTi]

I just learned how to play around with Photomatix Pro to create HDR images. Here's what I have so far to play with (original and hdr). I know the headlight flare is a bit strong and bright on this one. I'd just like some feedback to see if I'm following the 'ways' of HDR, or if it's just absolutely terrible. I think I might have gone a little overboard perhaps? I thought I'd give this one sort of an overcast look:

[exTi]

Here's the second set:

[Grentz]

First one looks pretty good, but on the second car the original looks better. The HDR is overdone a bit and is washing it out too much.

[exTi]

Yeah the wash-out look is one of my problems so far...I think this one is a little better, I just didn't post it because of the water marks:
Thanks for the reply!

[Mick_I]

Nice job!

[tehdrok]

I love the fluidity of the paintwork on the second :)

Ps. Looks like you've got some sensor dust on the first one..?

[exTi]

Hmm sensor dust,you must be talking about that gray dot up on top. Thanks for pointing that out, I never noticed that! I just looked at some more recent pictures and I don't see any more of those spots, so maybe there may have just been dust on the lens. But if there is some on the sensor, how can i clean it without scratching?

[tehdrok]

Hmm sensor dust,you must be talking about that gray dot up on top. Thanks for pointing that out, I never noticed that! I just looked at some more recent pictures and I don't see any more of those spots, so maybe there may have just been dust on the lens. But if there is some on the sensor, how can i clean it without scratching?

Yes indeed. Same thing happened to me on some of my earlier panning shots, and someone on here was kind enough to point it out.. :D

I'm still a noob so might be best asking someone more experienced, or referring to the camera manual - Basically, you've got to lock up the shutter so the panel is exposed, and then use a rubber blower to get rid of any dust. I'd avoid touching it with anything at all, if you can help it, as it's sensitive and if you damage it, it's a big expense (possibly a new camera.. :?). There are quite good instructions in the camera manual, though :)

[saiminyaku]

i like the first HDR is pretty damn good, but the second HDR (both small and large) have a halo about the subject. this would explain the "washed out" appearance grentz already pointed out.

this is generally the result of too much tone-mapping.

as far as the possibility of there being dust on the sensor, you could always take the easy route and spend $200.00 on a firefly to rid of even the static piece of dust that simply will not budge with the typical blowing tactics.

thanks for posting. :)

[nicksan]

First one looks good.
I don't think the second one needs HDR and/or it is overcooked.

[exTi]

I kinda like the halo effect though, but I agree too much halo is a little much. And referring to the sensor dust,I think I finally just blew it off, and it seemed like it was just some dust on the lens, nothing to worry about. Thank you all for your replies! :D

[jimken61]

These are fun to play around with. Heres one of mine I just got flat out crazy on.
Jim
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa205/jimken61/GeneratedHDR-Tonemapped.jpg

[exTi]

That car looks like...concrete!! Pretty cool looking. Here are a couple more shots I took this weekend...by the way I do take pictures of things other than just cars, haha, I'm just around them a lot :) On the first picture here,do you think the headlight exposure on the top right corner is kinda funky looking? A truck went by as I was taking it so there were lights up top. I used Photomatix on these by the way.