As much as I criticize HDR...

[Japaslavian]

I think this one came out nicely.
I feel so hypocritical...
Sorry everyone... it was just asking to be shot this way.

I tried to keep it subtle, but still somewhat unrealistically detailed. Did some color processing as well to give it a little flavor, as the image straight from Photomatix was pretty... bold
There's a really dark band below the lip of the cement on the left side that I think might be a little too dark. I might have some information in one of the 3 files that I could use, but it might look soft compared to the rest of the image. I guess I'm just curious if that or anything else is bothersome.



No EXIF as it's an HDR image, but here's some info from the median of the three images I used:

Camera: Canon Digital Rebel
Exposure: 1/80s @ f10
Exposure Mode: AV - Aperture Priority
Exposure Program: Auto Bracket @ +2, -2
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 18mm

I've also entitled it Merged as the seam of the concrete on the right reminded me of a merging lane sign. And it is an overpass.
Thanks, and I'll be happy to answer any questions if there's something on your mind.

[Murtasma]

I think it has some really great tones the black doesn't bother me that much was this taken under a highway overpass? It would have been nice to have a little wider image I think the rust look and colors are really great would have liked to see more of it.

[KathrynWilson]

I really like it - more so than a lot of HDR images. I agree that a little more rust color would look amazing.

[Robin Sarac]

I guess this underscores how much a technique depends on the image, the photographer, the vision...

Every technique has its strengths and weaknesses.

[Okinawa]

Not too shabby. Imho, as long as the final image brings out an emotional response, or any type of feeling, then who cares how the image was created.

[wulf]

I think this is an excellent example - the processing enhances the pattern of the scene whereas often it just ends up creating an oversharpened, oversaturated result.

Wulf

[Thecorey]

I'm not going to use a computer because a real photographer uses only a darkroom to develop photos, right? HDR like any other tool is just that. Sure there has been a onslaught of over saturated, over developed, halo laden HDR pictures but look at the amount of photography in general, good and bad, with the advent of digital cameras.

The trick with any tool is to understand its place in your craft. In this photo I think you understood that HDR was the best way to capture this scene, and in understanding this, really captured the mood and setting in a much more "dynamic" way. I say way to go for pushing past your own boundaries and realizing there is actually a artistic benefit to this process.

[bahgheera]

Thats an amazing use of HDR. I'm loving this. Thanks for sharing. Any chance of seeing a 1024x768 or larger version? This would make a great wallpaper.

[Japaslavian]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and the reassurance.

@Murtasma
Yeah, I kind of wish I had a wider shot too, but sadly this is the whole thing uncropped. Should have used by 10-22mm, but I was getting some strange looks from some nearby construction workers so I popped off about 20 frames and took off, haha.

Originally Posted by bahgheera

Any chance of seeing a 1024x768 or larger version? This would make a great wallpaper.

Clicky

[bahgheera]

Awesome! Thank you.