What do you guys think.

Just a couple of images for your comments. I am kind of new to HDR so these look good to me compared to what I was getting before .
I have added a red hue to the second image , my attempt to get a dramatic look.

While they're both a bit over the top for my tastes, the subject matter in the first photo is terrific. There ought to be a catchy title for it.

I think the second image would look more 'dramatic' if done in black and white rather than add a red tone to it IMHO.

I agree with above - why is pink dramatic? It's faux-sunset maybe .....dramatic - not!
If it was not for the dark sky in 1 and the pink in 2 these would be good shots IMO.

Thanks for your input guys. It is a great help.

I have toned down my ( beginers ) version of dramatic . Added some levels to it.

How does it look now ?

Anybody else have any input ?

You've got to watch out for those halos.

It's an odd thing, but you can go quite extreme with HDR and get away with it if the work is precise and controlled, but when there are halos and uneven effects it just looks sloppy.

The second version of Pic 1 is better than the first, but Pic 2 is a mess in that the upper-works of the boat seem to be in the clouds and there is no logical reason for the brightly lit hull.

If you're really into HDR take it a bit at a time...start with making a more realistic shot with the shadows and highlights tamed a bit, then push the effect wihile keeping things under control a bit more.

Good luck!

I like the first version of Pic 1 just a smiggen better, except for the halos. All in all, they both are pretty good looking past that one little minus.

As for the second, I love it period. And if you went B&W, you'd be like Wayne Gretsky schooling some junior hockey rookies

In like the second version of the first image much more. However, your sensor dust shows up more clearly on it. You need to clean your sensor, and clone out the spots on this image. Great processing, nevertheless.

I'd call that first photo : "Mark Twain's Communist Manifesto"

I like it! To be perfectly honest with you, I like the more dramatic original one. The sky has that look like a storm is brewing and a tornado is likely!

Thanks a ton for all the feedback and for taking the time to do so. I take each one very seriously.

Ricardo222
Till you mentioned I did'nt think that the halos were so noticeable . Now I am more aware of it .You should have some of my first photos ... total embarrasment and I thought they were great .
Great observation on the brightly lit hull. This is the result of me dodging it in photoshop .

Black Mesa Images.
Thanks.. Got to check out Wayne Gretsky . Looks like I am on the right track .

pknight
Thanks. Makes more sense to clean out the sensor dust.
Did not realize it was so bad..

Wallacewang .
Wow you guys are giving names to my photo ? Very flattering ,thanks, .. Yea I like the more dramatic version too..

More inproved versions to come up...

Love the 1st original one.

What's the story behind that thing? Looks like it's sitting in the middle of the street?

Sorry about the late reply..
This was not actually on a main road. It was kept on the car/truck parking area . Not much traffic there. Area is Eufala lake in georgia. Did not look like it was going anywhere ..