Obligatory first hdr post

[coolhotwaves]

Hi! Just thought I would share my first hdr attempt. I know there are problem with it, and I went for a little more processed look, but i like the way it turned out. Let me know your thoughts :)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/__bEaB4b1bu8/SrxTUJf5nrI/AAAAAAAAAqs/pQL7cOZYPvk/s800/1112.jpg

[fly my pretties]

I like people to really pick my photos apart, providing it's constructive, so I always do the same with other peoples. In that light, I have to say that this is a very poor shot.

The problem with HDR's that contain foliage such as grass and trees is the amount of CA and ghosting the process generates. It leaves the image looking like nothing is actually in focus.

Also, HDR is a technique for delivering the viewer a greater range of detail throughout the dark and light areas of the picture. However, your sky is still completely blown and while you have shadow detail, it's harsh and lacking in contrast. There's nothing in this picture that leads my eye or allows me to settle on any focal point. I want to rest on the swinging bench, but it's not in focus and it's placement seems unjustified.

However, it's not a lost shot, just a missed one. I think if the bench was at a slightly less extreme angle and you increased the exposure range a bit more, you'd have a decent picture on your hands.

Don't fall into the trap so many others do. They take a bad shot, give up on it completely, and just convert to HDR. It rarely, if ever works.

[Mantrixon]

Hi ,
I am just a beginer with a Conon 450D using manual settings unlike fly my i do like the swing where it is and to me it seems more in focus than the rest of the photo.I do agree thought that the rest of the photo is lacking,and a different angle of the swing would be better but hey Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder right? and the swing and scenery are there tomorrow to take more shots and compare.
thanks for sharing the photo. hopefully i can learn from this and post mine soon.

regards

Mike

[stargazer77517]

Well you did what you were going for, a more processed look.
Personally, I think the subject is not one for that look, the blues seem to be too saturated, and to my eye its confusing to look at, meaning my eye wanders too much within the image.
HDR, more processed look.....your there.
Image subject/ comp for this type of processing....just a bit off.

[coolhotwaves]

Thanks for the feedback guys! I didn't have a tripod with me so I set the camera on a picnic table, hence the compostion being more limited. I agree about the sky being blown out, however it was extremely smokey outside from nearby forest fires so there wouldn't really be any contrast anyway. I'm gonna keep plugging away at learning this technique. Oh and i really hate the halo around the trees, especially noticable on the right side of the frame.

I did this with the free version of hdr darkroom.