My First HDR

[rlarsen]

[uvsub]

Like I said in a previous post, I too have fiddled with HDR with somewhat disappointing shots. Back to your image.

I like the composition, it really works. Bravo!

However, I think HDR let you down. If you bracketed your shots and included one exposed for the sky and another for the shadows of the landscape the blend should have produced well exposed landscape and sky!

In this case, the hightlights in the sky appear blown-out while the landscape remains murky.

May I make a suggestion? Take the exact same shot of this excellent composition and take two meter readings (using the spot meter or center meter) take one reading off the bright sky, take note of the readings and set these in manual mode. Readjust to the orininal composition and shoot. Do the same for the shadows, give HDR another try.

If it works fine. If not include the two shots as different layers in photoshop and erase the improperly exposed area of the top layer.

Have fun!

[thingy]

HDR works better with 3-6 shots. Its probably best to shoot in Manual or Aperture mode so that your depth of field is the same in all shots. Then manually change the shutter speed for each exposure.

G

[carl yeomans]

you dont have to go to all that bother to make a HDR. take one RAW image slighty underexposed, then in PS raw converter get the settings u like, then from that make 3 more images 2stops apart. or if you camera does auto bracket, even better. photomatrix is proberly the best for first time users to get good results.

this is done with one RAW file, PS raw & photomartix. took no more than 10 mins to do.
osmotherly resevoir

[thingy]

I see you point Carl. However I think its arguable that your technique is less "bother" than quickly taking several shots with different shutter speeds. Also, with this method it is possible to capture a greater dynamic range. Nice shot by the way.

G

[jiminyClickit]

rlarsen,

It would help to know how you went about applying the technique, and whether you feel it's improved your original. Really good definition of distance and rolling hills; good eye.