My 1st attempt

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #10357549
I kind of like the B+W, but I absolutely HATE both color versions.

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #10360055
I know that hate is a strong word. That's why I used it . The color versions to me, are far too busy and oversaturated. It just takes to much away from what the viewer should be focusing on: his expression.

The B+W version helps correct that.

I agree with Chet , HATE is just kind of harsh and there are other words and ways of explaining things toned down without making the OP feel bad . The way i see it is if all you want to do is be a total critic then maybe best you say nothing at all . Your comment only makes things look bad . There is another section where images are posted just for that reason which would probably more than welcome your comments :
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=12

And regardless of the "Hate" comments, I (still) rather like it and have it proudly hanging on the wall framed and everything.

Thanks Ron.

Chet wrote in post #15910846
Thanks Ron.

YW . BTW i like the image and love the expression but i will agree about tone it down some and try to watch the halos on the edges . I know that is probably the most critical area ppl will critise on and try not to give it the Over Cooked look unless that is what your going for . I do like the over cooked look but it is important on the Halos . This HDR section has probably been one of the most critising and and depressing sections on the whole forum cause most ppl that have been into HDR for yrs do not like the overcooked grunge look . They usually produce images that look like images in a magazine for home life or whatever but those images are nothing i would ever buy and hang on my wall as to where the grunge look , if attracting to me would hang on my walls .

I like the cartoony style of the 1st shot. Nobody said the finished product should look like a photo and not like a painting or cartoon! Are the halos due to the HDR processing? Is it possible to eliminate them without screwing up the cartoon effect?

I haven't revisited this in years. My new stalker friend MDJAK is digging up all my old posts. I'm sure I could change the look today, though I was shooting for the cartoon look at the time.

MDJAK is doing this because of this:
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1296141