First attempts at HDR

[hodaka]

I got Photomatix the other day, and started to play a bit. I know this pic is not quite right - any suggestions on how to improve?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/4023441870_4a0c6c16a8_o.jpg

[AntZ]

I'm no expert on HDR, but it looks good for a first attemp. It seems a little dark in areas that don't seem right, like the foreground.

[Mad Aussie]

This is a very good first attempt ... AND you've resisted the urge (better than I did) to over do it as well.

What I do to improve this type of image further is to put this and one or more of the original shots into PS and then layer them together. Then I blend through sections where I see necessary. By doing this you can lightened those pine trees tothe left a little and maybe correct the sky colouring as well.

[zenon5940]

Very good HDR if you ask me.

[jlabel]

I think you can still post process this picture for a bit of drama, shadowing or vignetting some areas, plus a sharpen is needed.

[hodaka]

Thanks, once again. I need to get the foreground a little brighter, and play with sharpness. On the 20", it looks incredible from about 6' back, the issues are apparent close-up, however. I thought of going back up the mountain to recompose, but the few from the other angles is not as pleasing overall. I have several shots I can play with to try to make it work a little better. I am trying to use HDR as a means of showing what the scene was like to me, to share the experience. My dad was along with me that day, and he quite likes the HDR the way it is, but I feel a need for refinement.