Playing with HDR

[Renowilliams]

Lately I have been playing with HDR and the possibilities it has to create interesting looks. Here are a couple examples.

1774417745

[theantiquetiger]

What are you using for HDR process, Photomatix?

[Renowilliams]

Yes that is what I used.

[theantiquetiger]

HDR is meant to enhance the darks and lights, better definitions of dark areas, etc. The first one just does not work for me, it's too cartoon-ish (I am guilty of doing the same thing sometimes). HDR should still look natural (for the most part). I just started messing around with it as well and I am still learning what to do.

Here is a HDR I did today. The HDR basically brought out the marble in the walls http://www.photography.ca/Forums/architecture-man-made-cities-buildings-roads-objects-abstracts/20932-louisiana-state-capitol-grand-hall.html
The second one is nice, maybe a tad on the yellow side.

[Renowilliams]

Thanks for the feedback. The first one kind of reminds me of turn of the century advertisements. Either way, HDR does give interesting looks to photos. That said, some of those looks, like the first, may not be to evryones particular taste.

I like what you did in your shot.

[asnow]

The second one I like but as theantiquetiger said it does appear to be a bit yellow.
The first one is too over done for my taste. As you said some people like it and some don't.

[Renowilliams]

What is your thoughts on this retouch of the photo?

17784

[theantiquetiger]

1000x better IMO

here is the image i took that i said looks like yours

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/9063673235_32d08753b8_b.jpg

[Renowilliams]

Thanks again for the feedback. I agree, it looks better. I really like the sharpness in your picture. What lens and camera did you use?

[theantiquetiger]

What lens and camera did you use?

Canon 60D with a 17-50 Tamron lens. it was a long 30 sec exposure at f/22. its not a HDR

[Runmonty]

Tim, if you haven't already checked them out I recommend Marko's podcasts on HDR

59 - HDR - High dynamic range photography - Interview with Joseph Cartright | Photography.ca (http://www.photography.ca/blog/2008/12/23/59-hdr-high-dynamic-range-photography-interview-with-joseph-cartright/)

Photo Realistic HDR | Photography.ca (http://www.photography.ca/blog/2012/06/01/107-photo-realistic-hdr/)

[Marko]

HDR play can be fun but when you push the colours too far they look unrealistic. I'm afraid your HDR falls into that category imo.
I quite like both of the car trail images, but favour the second one. Hope that may help

[JAS_Photo]

Well, if you are going to play with HDR, you may as well check out one of the masters of over the top yet still well done HDR.
StuckInCustoms.com (http://stuckincustoms.smugmug.com/)

[Renowilliams]

17786Here is another shot I did tonight

[Marko]

much more realistic colours - I like.

[Barefoot]

Is the last shot of the railroad bridge a single shot conversion? I ask because of the presence of people that appear in motion. I'd be interested in seeing this photograph without HDR. ( and the sensor spots :) )

[Renowilliams]

Yes, I took the photo I shot and over and under exposed it in Lightroom, then used Photomatix. Here is the original shot.

17787