My first HDR. How would YOU do it? Bracketed shots included

I came across what I'm sure would make a great HDR subject in the right hands. Mine just aren't yet. This was my first attempt at HDR and yes, only the Photomatix trial version was used, hence the watermarks.

I took the three shots, bracketed +/- 2 stops. Here are the originals followed by my attempt. Please share how you would do it differently and feel free to take a swag at it. The two adjustment tabs within Photomatix left me scratching my head as one doesn't know what the combined results from the two will be until the very end. Oh well!

The bracketed shots:

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THis is JMHO, but if you shot RAW the "mid" shot probably has enough dynamic range in itself. I can still make out details in the sky and the shadows aren't that dark. No need for HDR I think.

I have nothing against (well done) HDR and you've done a good job. But I think it's a tool that should be used to increase dynamic range where it goes beyond the camera's sensor capabilities. In this case I think it doesn't (well not enough that RAW wouldn't be able to bring it back).

Here's an edit (just the mid range jpeg) I didn't do that much too it really. Just darken the sky a bit. Messed about with levels and lightened the dark areas slightly (ie left them "normal" not changed by the levels adjustment). Boosted the colour slightly... That's all.

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Nice work Adrian! Your non-HDR definitely looks better than my HDR; there is a lot of sharpness in it. Back when I took these, I hadn't started shooting in RAW yet (which is the only way I shoot now). I see your point and it is well made.

I like the HDR'd version.. Heres is my edit with adjusted levels and some sharpening after HDR'd in CS3.. Although SN did a great job pointing out the exposure was good to start with..

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Here's my take on it. I know most will hate this look, but truth be know I don't care. Just to give you a look to the other side of the spectrum.

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AP, that is amazing! I almost want to send you the full-res versions to duplicate the results there ;o) There was a very light breeze that afternoon and I took the 3 shots handheld (on 8fps setting) so it is great to see this much sharpness in the grass and bushes.

dugcross, you are right, this much processing isn't for everyone but I thank you for the work you've put in.

Here's my over the top version. Lots of possibilities with hdr images. Which final outcome is best, is in the eye of the beholder. I have to add I also used Topaz adjust.

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Personally I would not have done a 4-stop exposure range. I don't see 2 stops of tonal range below or above your neutral exposure. Especially above neutral I don't see any deep shadows needing 2 stops to produce detail. I think you are on your way to being able to produce nice hdr images with what you have done here, but watch the tonal range of the scene and then decide on the exposure steps. Some scenes like this can come out nicely with some selective saturation during your normal workflow.

My attempt. Used the 0EV image only. Sorry I resized it, pressed wrong button and didn't save an original

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I think it looks fine for your first attempt. You may also try 5 exposures and bracket them 1 stop instead of two

Kevin wrote in post #9298624
Personally I would not have done a 4-stop exposure range. I don't see 2 stops of tonal range below or above your neutral exposure. Especially above neutral I don't see any deep shadows needing 2 stops to produce detail. I think you are on your way to being able to produce nice hdr images with what you have done here, but watch the tonal range of the scene and then decide on the exposure steps. Some scenes like this can come out nicely with some selective saturation during your normal workflow.

Excellent advice. I chalk up the +/- 2EV to my naivety and following the Photomatix instructions blindly. I hope to be able to "read" a scene's tonal range more accurately as I gain greater experience with HDR. I have come to learn that HDR is one of those things that when done correctly and for the right scene, can blow everything else out of the water. In all other applications though, it can look worse than the original.

Oh and navydoc, I love the haunting look of your image! gcflora and kirk, yours look very smooth and uniformly saturated as well.

Huh - mine disappeared - here it is posted again.

i actually like the 1 st attempt better, nicely done

That was a low dynamic range scene. No need for more than one shot. Even if the 'HDR-look' was your goal, one capture would have been enough.

My personal opinion is that when the 'HDR-look' is the only reason for shooting a scene, the interest of the final image is usually low.

Regards