Xmas tree

Here is my try at a 7 shot HDR. Trying all the various settings was driving me crazy so I finally settled on this version.

Nice go at it. I'd lower the camera to improve the perspective, and lower the reds a little.

Gary McDuffie wrote in post #11512525
Nice go at it. I'd lower the camera to improve the perspective, and lower the reds a little.

+1, otherwise, good job.

more constrast so the image doesn't look flat. I like the perspective. Something different from the same type of image everyone else does.

Thanks for the cc; I have an idea for another perspective but it will have to wait until next year. I hope everyone had a great Xmas and have a safe and great New Year!

I agree with crimsonblack that more contrast would pull everything together better. Nice job.

What would be the best way to add contrast? Should I try a adjustment layer. What about lowering the reds, adjust the red color only? I am using Photomatix 3 and cs3.

Using photoshop, I typically use a curves adjustment to increase contrast. You can use an adjustment layer to tone down the reds some.

You might also try this: In photoshop, select 'file>open as', browse to the folder with the image then open as a RAW file. Now you can use the ACR program to adjust white balance, temperature, vibrance, bring up the black point, do some noise reduction...etc. Then select 'open image' and it will be placed in photoshop for any further adjustments.

Here is my edit of your image using some of the adjustments mentioned above. As far as color temperature, that tends to be a matter of personal choice in terms of realism vs perception.

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nice

Nice edit navydoc. The whites look much more accurate also!

I agree, and feel the edit is an improvement over the OP. You might also consider a lens correction to bring the verticals of the walls back to vertical.