Learning HDR C&C Please

[RBChallenger]

So, here are my first few attempts at HDR. The first image I intended to come out painting like. The second somewhere between painting and real and the third real. Granted the cactus is not a good photo, but it is what I had. These are right out of Photomatix (which I need to go ahead and purchase as I am impressed with the software... bare with the watermark). The first image turned out a bit blurry. I appreaciate you letting me know what you think and any tips!!!
1.
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll204/RBChallenger/BotanicalGardensCabinetsWeb.jpg
2.
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll204/RBChallenger/BotanicalGardensFountainWeb.jpg
3.
http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll204/RBChallenger/BotanicalGardensCactusWeb.jpg

[RBChallenger]

Must be that bad, no comments. Oh well, just need to practice some more.

[Kevin]

On my monitor the third image looks to have very little dynamic range therefore the results will be less than expected. To me it looks flat with forced color. Your overall processing on your second image looks pretty good to me. Good range of colors, but I do see a little haloing around the bricks and window frame to the left, but still to me, not that far off of what you are trying to achieve. On the first image for me the over saturated magenta is over powering the scene, which kills it for me, but then I am not fond of highly over-saturated HDR's so I will leave this one for the more artsy lovers.

Hope this helps.

[mathias_ko]

I really like the first one!

[wolfden]

1st seems a bit over done, but not bad

2nd and 3rd are flat - no details at all

[RBChallenger]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll keep working on it. This is an addicting type of photography/art.

[DeepWoods]

I think #1 is great! my preference.

[stargazer77517]

Looks like you did what you wanted. 1. looks like a painting, second seems like a mix and 3. has a more natural look. Now get ya some good shots and keep at it. Remember, you are the artist, and what you like is all that matters. Some didnt like Andy Worhol, but enough did.:lol:

[24alpha]

1st seems a bit over done, but not bad

2nd and 3rd are flat - no details at all
Agreed! Possibly not the best things to shoot.