Initial HDR attempt

[LV Moose]

My first try at HDR, using the trial version of Photomatix. I didn't want it to look like obvious HDR, and the final image was merged in GIMP using about 65% of the HDR and 35% of the original +0 shot. For the HDR image, I bracketed three shots at -2, +2, 0.

I'm looking for honest criticism. Thanks.

(I'd love some interesting cloudy skies to play with, but in Las Vegas, they're few and far between)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4257014382_e2f196c329.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4256253093_8c7cb6e283.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4257014610_4b8355339b.jpg

[vpnd]

the first one is the best

[Flo]

Not ever having done HDR, but having seen it alot..I like the original photo best?

[peter_co]

So is the first image the original, the second HDR, and the third the 35:65 blend?

I have to agree with the two other users, my favorite is the original. The second one is pleasing, but it is clearly artificial. The third one is better in the latter respect (i.e. it does not look as fake), but I think most people would still perceive it as altered.

Having said that, "fakeness" will always be a problem with HDR, and taking that factor out and judging the photos on aesthetics alone, I would choose number 3.

[stsva]

I prefer the first image because the colors (especially in the sky) are more saturated and its higher contrast gives it a more dramatic look than the third image. This doesn't look like an image with too much dynamic range for the camera, so I'm not sure it really gains much from an HDR approach.

[crashthenet44]

Sorry, but I'm with everyone else. The original is far better than the second or even the third due to what Stvsa wrote.

[LV Moose]

Thanks for the inputs, guys. I do like the sky in the original better, but I like the detail in the shadows on the third (merged) image, like in the short palms at the base of the building, (easier to appreciate at 100%). I agree with stsva... "This doesn't look like an image with too much dynamic range for the camera, so I'm not sure it really gains much from an HDR approach." I'll have to try some inside shots; I've seen some beautiful HDR's from inside churches, cathedrals, and such.

Thanks again.