HDR - Basement Window

[ike]

I was in Manchester today, (yes, again, another photo walk)

I was after making it look more realistic, yet still surreal,

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ike-uk/2226551799/" title="HDR Basement Window by shaun_wilkes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/2226551799_8fe638396c.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="HDR Basement Window" /></a>

What i did:

Merged 3 photo's together:
Exif:
f 2.8
iso 100
Tv 1/100s 1/52s 1/26s

Changed contrast slightly, added some brightness, a sepia filter,

Have i over done the contrast? Should i lighten the floor?

I like the way it looks greasy, and the way the pipe pops out,

ike,

[Japaslavian]

We should change the sub-forum name from Processed Photos to "HDR and Others..." haha

Anyways, there something that's bothering me here. The HDR process doesn't seem to have really done its job very well. The right side of the shot is ok, but the left side and the floor is still all in shadow. I'm guessing something, maybe another part of this building, is blocking the sun from getting into the dark areas.

I think this particular shot may have come out better using either bounce or fill flash with a single exposure. There's really no reason from what I can see that HDR was completely necessary though you did bring out nice detail in wall and the pipes.

I mean, sure you could try bumping up the brightness on the dark areas, but I think you'll find that to be more destructive.

[Haksaeng]

I find myself searching for a subject. I'm not sure on what you want to draw my attention.

The overexposed pipe immediately catches my eye, but I find it more of a distraction than an interest element. Perhaps using levels to reduce that element a bit will help.

I thought about lightening the floor a bit, but I don't really see anything of interest there, and the darkness keeps it somewhat mysterious. I think you did the right thing by keeping it in the dark.

I also like the overall sepia tone to the photo. It adds a nice atmosphere.

I'm a big fan of HDR and am starting to delve into it myself. Are you doing your merge in Photoshop, or are you using a dedicated HDR program?

[wulf]

A couple of quick comments from me. Firstly, about the photo itself. There are strong lines in the image converging to a point near the bottom left of the frame. I think it would be stronger if there was a sense that those lines led towards an obvious subject.

Regarding the HDR work, I think the highlights still look too bright and the shadows too dark - more like lomo work than HDR.

One possibility would be to cast a bit more light on the rubbish at the bottom of the pipe. It may not be interesting enought to serve as a subject but could end up answering both my objections.

Wulf

[ike]

Thanks for the input guys,

Japaslavian - I will give a re edit a go, and try to boost some of the brightness to elimate some of the dark spots,

Haksaeng - I was trying to make something boring look a little better, but you are right, the pipe is just a little bit too light, I use CS3 for the HDR function, i dont think it is the best thing, but it's all i have lol :)

Wulf - Thats what i liked, the lines leading down, will try to lighten it all up a bit, and try to get rid of the lomo(ish) effect,

Thanks Guys,

ike,

[peeperita]

hey, ike....

isn't it wonderful the opportunities that come your way on a photowalk....

i like the leading lines of the pipes.....and the overall post work you've done.....

re your specific question about the floor.....i wouldn't have lightened it either....but, i would have removed some of the light catching debris that is there so that those wonderful pipes, window and railing would have dropped off into total darkness.....

good eye on you

peeper

[ike]

I think have it!

After some more super heavy processing, splitting up all the different parts of the photo, walls, window, bars, pipes, floor etc, changing contrast to suit the feel im after, it still looks sort of lomo(ish) but it kinda pops a bit more now,

What do you think now? is it over done or do i still need to darken the lower 1/3 ?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ike-uk/2228802690/" title="HDR Basement Window Re-edit by shaun_wilkes, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/2228802690_f0fc3fa7b9.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="HDR Basement Window Re-edit" /></a>

Thanks,

ike,

[Haksaeng]

I think this version is far better. I no longer have the distraction of the pipe and can better take in the angles and textures. The colors are also a little more surrealistic, adding to the shot.

[wulf]

Much improved - less overexposure, more colour and, overall, a much funkier result.

Wulf

[ike]

Thanks for all the positive input on the re-edit guys,

It really is alot of work to get a photo to a really good standard when doing PP, took me about 3 hours from the first to the second, the effort was worth it and a good way to spend a rainy afternoon,

One last question, is the shiny object on the floor in the middle distracting for everyone else? would the burn tool fix it, or another tool?

Thanks,

ike,

[peeperita]

i like the second edit...and as far as your shiney bit......i vote for a burn....

thanks for the re-edit...


peeper

[wulf]

I think I'd leave it. If you darken the shiny bit of rubbish you lose contrast in the floor and a point of interest. Texture is good :)

Wulf