HDR - First Attempt

This is my first attempt doing HDR using Photomatix Pro. This tree is in my backyard.

This is an attractive set of colors Rick but the blending/exposure of the sky is very uneven, you "treated" just a portion of the tree, and the lack straight horizon really detracts from the image. Can you post the original, which may have be attractive as it was without HDR manipulation?

This is one of the dangers of HDR unfortunately. The image can look half cooked with unbalanced exposure treatment. Perhaps if you simply applied an exposure adjustment layer to the original shot that would have given you the tonal results for a more pleasing image. I don't mean to sound harsh but perhaps this is not a good HDR candidate. I realize we have to start somewhere though and I have confidence in your future abilities . - Stu

In Photomatix, I find fusing more realistic than tone mapping. You might want to experiment with that.

i like the color, but it looks a little over done.

I think it's good to test its technique, but this particular picture doesn't lend well to the method. Find a picture that could use more detail in the shadows and highlights.

It is a start, and from here you will just improve.
Stu had some good comments and I agree with him.

Thank you Pierre .

Thank you for the comments. Yes this is my first attempt at HDR and yes playing around learning the program.

Here is another of the same subject

The second one is much better. For trees, grass, or anything that has a chance to move, multiple exposures use for HDR bracketing is not a good way to go as blurriness will happen. If you are going to attempt dynamic range, a single exposure and adjust the esposure plus or minus 1 stop each will give you 3 images and Photomatix should be able to do a better job of converting for you.

Yes - it is certainly much improved Rick; nice job. I would still straighten the horizon though.

yuo the sec. one better .. take care of the sky color levels .. awesome job dude

You're getting there. It needs less strength. This is why I moved to Oloneo's Photoengine, much more realistic.